Venezuela: The Venezuelan Government has passed, as a member of the Andean Pact, three decisions on intellectual property. However, these decisions still do not provide adequate and effective protection in all areas, particularly in the patent area. Also, despite enactment of a new copyright law last year, piracy remains a serious problem. The U.S. will continue to monitor the law's implementation and enforcement of penalties against infringers, as well as recently initiated expedited proceedings for patent and trademark applications.
Special Mention
This year, the USTR determined that, while some countries had made progress in improving the level of intellectual property protection, there is need for greater effort or further improvement. In other instances, intellectual property problems are beginning to become serious. The Administration has placed these countries in the "special mention" category to draw attention to areas or concern. It is expected that these countries will respond to these concerns so that the Administration will not have to take additional steps. Countries in the "special mention" category are:
Brazil's welcomed reform efforts in intellectual property rights are important to a broad cross-section of the U.S. private sector. We will closely monitor these efforts with great interest.
Canada merits concern, despite its strong intellectual property laws, because of policies currently in place, and others that have been proposed which discriminate against non-Canadian periodicals.
Germany will be obliged to protect U.S. performers of sound recordings under the Uruguay Round TRIPS agreement. We understand that Germany is considering unilateral action to extend protection to U.S. performers even before TRIPS implementation and we encourage such an action.
Honduras has obtained approval of improved copyright, trademark and patent legislation, taken major steps to legalize illegitimate cable TV operations, and joined the Paris Convention. The Government of Honduras has promised to meet remaining USG concerns about copyright protection, and we will continue to work with Honduras on achieving improved patent and trademark laws and their enforcement.
Israel has an antiquated copyright law, which, combined with poor enforcement, has led to widespread cable and software piracy. We seek rapid revision of the copyright law and improved enforcement. Additionally, Israel is working on a law governing licensing of satellite signals by cable operators.
Panama provides inadequate copyright protection and inadequate enforcement to prevent the transshipment of copyright and trademark infringing goods. Computer software is not adequately protected by copyright and criminal penalties.
