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  • On September 15, China enacted new implementing regulations for its trademark and copyright, increasing the maximum fines for trademark infringement six times higher than under earlier regulations and allowing local administrative authorities to impose discretionary fines.
  • Greece became the first European Union country to implement the European Copyright Directive (2001/29/EC), thus amending Greek law to implement the obligations of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT).
  • Lebanon had its first IPR case that resulted in a jail sentence.
  • The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Information began a targeted copyright awareness campaign.
  • South Korea drafted and forwarded legislation to the National Assembly for approval to give the standing inspection team police powers to tackle software piracy more effectively.

October

  • On October 4, the Philippines became party to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
  • On October 9, Japan became party to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
  • On October 12, 2002, the Kyrgyz Republic became a party to the Geneva Phonograms Convention.
  • On October 25, Mongolia became party to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
  • Kuwait launched a new joint work team in an effort to streamline the IPR enforcement process and enhance the inter-ministerial task force established in 1999.
  • Mexico started an antipiracy campaign in Mexico City with "anti-piracy" television commercials, radio slots, billboards and advertisements.
  • Nicaragua's Public Ministry dedicated three special IP prosecutors to fight IPR infringement.
  • The Philippines signed an updated administrative order for Customs, prescribing the rules
May 1, 2003
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