Additionally, there remain challenges to enforcement of IPR in Israel. Stakeholders report that the Special Police Units designed to enforce IPR are under-funded and do not undertake ex officio action. The United States is concerned by a recent increase in websites selling counterfeit pharmaceuticals, but commends Israel for its efforts to cooperate with other countries, including the United States, to prosecute those who operate these enterprises. The United States looks forward to continuing to work with Israel to resolve these and other matters.
Italy
Italy remains on the Watch List in 2013. Piracy over the Internet remains high in Italy, with several content industries reporting that Italy has among the highest rates of online piracy in the world. While the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) made progress in 2011 and early 2012 on draft regulations to combat piracy over the Internet, that process has since stalled. As a result, rights holders continue to face serious challenges in combating piracy over the Internet in Italy. The United States underscores the importance of taking action to finalize and implement the AGCOM regulations to create an effective mechanism against all types of copyright piracy over the Internet. The United States also continues to have concerns about a Data Protection Agency opinion concerning the monitoring of peer-to-peer networks. The United States encourages to take further measures to significantly reduce delays in the adjudication of IPR disputes in Italian courts and ensure that cases reach final sentencing. The United States also looks forward to the report of the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry on Counterfeiting and Piracy in the Commercial Field, which is an important opportunity to state the importance of strong IPR protection and enforcement in Italy and to identify solutions to address persistent concerns. The United States looks forward to continuing to work with Italy to address these and other matters.
Jamaica
Jamaica remains on the Watch List in 2013. In 2012, Jamaica continued to participate in the IPR training programs offered by the USPTO, and also conducted its own IPR training initiatives, including a workshop for Jamaican customs officials. Jamaica also continued its efforts to educate the public about IPR protection and enforcement, and launched a voluntary copyright registration system. However, the United States remains seriously concerned about the need to enact the draft Patents and Designs Act, which is intended to implement certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement and the United States-Jamaica Bilateral Intellectual Property Agreement. In addition, Jamaica's largest cable operator has not yet compensated performing rights organizations for the public performances of music, and the United States urges Jamaica to resolve that problem. The United States looks forward to continuing to work with Jamaica to address these and other issues.
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