The US Trade Representative has accused
China and Russia of being among the poorest protectors of intellectual property
rights.
Both countries are featured in the 2008 Special 301 Report, an annual
document examining international trade barriers relating to copyright
infringement. Russia and China appear on a priority watch list of offending
nations, along with Argentina, Chile, India, Israel, Pakistan, Thailand and
Venezuela.
“The Special 301 Report spotlights one of the central challenges facing the
global economy,” said Ambassador Susan C. Schwab.
“Pirates and counterfeiters don’t just steal ideas; they steal jobs, and too
often they threaten our health and safety. The Administration has been committed
to stepping up the fight against IPR infringers who seek to profit from American
artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs.”
The US will negotiate with China using the
World Trade Organisation's dispute settlement
body – a session of the General Council that governs over disagreements.
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