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USTR rewards Philippines for improved IPR protections

USTR rewards Philippines for improved IPR protections

   The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has rewarded the Philippines for its improved enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) by removing the country from a “priority watch list” to the agency’s general “watch list.”

   The USTR said it made its decision based on the Philippines’ recent implementation of legislation to stop illegal production of pirated optical discs, such as DVDs and CDs. The Philippines has improved its controls for production licenses and conducts routine raids against illegal factories. In addition, Philippines authorities carried out numerous raids on retail stores selling pirated and counterfeit goods.

   However, the USTR said it will closely monitor the Philippine government’s efforts to further improve its IPR enforcement program.