USTR Puts IP Focus In Digital Trade In NAFTA Renegotiation Objectives

Release time：2017-08-06　browse：3043　Source：本站

    In its newly issued objectives for renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has put a strong focus on protecting and exploiting intellectual property rights in the digital environment.

    Below is the intellectual property section:

    (1)Ensure accelerated and full implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), particularly with respect to meeting enforcement obligations under TRIPS.

    (2)Ensure provisions governing intellectual property rights reflect a standard of protection similar to that found in U.S. law

    (3)Provide strong protection and enforcement for new and emerging technologies and new methods of transmitting and distributing products embodying intellectual property, including in a manner that facilitates legitimate digital trade.

    (4)Prevent or eliminate discrimination with respect to matters affecting the availability, acquisition, scope, maintenance, use, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

    (5)Ensure standards of protection and enforcement that keep pace with technological developments.

   (6)Provide strong standards enforcement of intellectual property rights, including by requiring accessible, expeditious, and effective civil, administrative, and criminal enforcement mechanisms.

    The document includes sections on some 22 subjects, including a substantive section on intellectual property, reprinted below. The IP objectives include clear adherence to international trade rules, an attempt to keep use of IP rights unfettered, strong, and responsive to technological change.

    From:https://www.ip-watch.org/2017/07/18/ustr-puts-ip-focus-digital-trade-nafta-renegotiation-objectives/