[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 19 (Friday, January 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-2080]
[Federal Register: January 28, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
[Docket No. 301-91]
Request for Public Comment: Determination in Section 301
Investigation Concerning Acts, Policies and Practices of Brazil With
Respect to Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.
ACTION: Notice of request for written comment from interested persons.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is seeking
further public comment on acts, policies and practices of the
Government of Brazil concerning the protection and enforcement of
intellectual property rights in that country. In particular, USTR seeks
public comment on whether such acts, policies or practices are
unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, and if so, what
responsive action, if any, should be taken pursuant to section 301 of
the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the ``Trade Act'').
DATES: Written comments of interested persons are due on or before
Monday, February 28, 1994.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jon Huenemann, Deputy Assistant USTR for Latin America and Caribbean
Affairs (202) 395-5190, Joseph Papovich, Deputy Assistant USTR for
Intellectual Property (202) 395-6864, or Thomas Robertson, Assistant
General Counsel (202) 395-6800, Office of the United States Trade
Representative.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 28, 1993, the USTR initiated an
investigation of deficiencies in the acts, policies and practices of
the Government of Brazil (Brazil) related to the denial of adequate and
effective protection of intellectual property rights in Brazil. See 58
FR 31788 (June 4, 1993). Since that time, four rounds of bilateral
discussions have been held to resolve these issues.
In the context of these discussions, the Government of Brazil
indicated that it has undertaken and will undertake as part of its
domestic reform efforts a number of actions to improve the protection
of intellectual property in Brazil, and to provide greater market
access for products relying on the protection of intellectual property.
These include progress in the areas of protection for trademarks,
semiconductor mask works (layout designs), and computer programs;
market access for computer programs; and improvements in the
enforcement of intellectual property rights, including efforts
regarding the importation of pirated and counterfeit goods and the
penalties of infringement of intellectual property rights.
However, additional issues remain to be resolved. These include,
among other things, full implementation of the Uruguay Round Trade
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPs) text, most importantly
with respect to patents, trade secrets, copyrights and semiconductor
layout designs. The two governments are also discussing issues related
to fair and equitable access to the Brazilian market for U.S.
industries that rely on intellectual property protection.
The original deadline for determinations under section 304(a)(1) of
the Trade Act with respect to the investigation was November 28, 1993.
Because the issues that remained outstanding at that time were complex
and required additional time for resolution, the deadline by which the
determinations must be made was extended until February 28, 1994. See
58 FR 64351 (December 6, 1993). In accordance with section 304(b)(1)(A)
of the Trade Act, USTR invites the presentation of views of interested
persons concerning the foregoing determinations. In particular, USTR
would like written comments on whether the Government of Brazil's acts,
policies or practices with respect to the outstanding issues noted
above are unreasonable and constitute a burden or restriction on U.S.
commerce, and, if so, on what actions, if any, would be appropriate.
The United States in the past has determined that removal of
Generalized System of Preferences benefits and/or increased tariff
rates are appropriate after a determination has been made that a
trading partner fails to provide adequate protection and enforcement of
intellectual property rights.
Requirements for Submissions
Comments must be filed in accordance with the requirements set
forth in 15 CFR 2006.8(b) (55 FR 20593) and are due no later than
Monday, February 28, 1994. Comments must be in English and provided in
twenty copies to: Chairman, Section 301 Committee, room 223, USTR, 600
17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20506.
Comments will be placed in a file (Docket 301-91) open to public
inspection pursuant to 15 CFR 2006.13. Confidential business
information submitted in accordance with 15 CFR 2006.15 must be clearly
marked ``BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL'' in a contrasting color ink at the top
of each page on each of the 20 copies, and must be accompanied by a
nonconfidential summary of the confidential information. (Only the
nonconfidential summary will be placed in the Docket.) The Docket will
be available for public inspection in the USTR Reading Room (room 101),
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, 600 17th Street, NW.,
Washington, DC. An appointment to review the Docket may be made by
calling Brenda Webb at (202) 395-6186. The USTR Reading Room is open to
the public from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday (except holidays).
Irving Williamson,
Chairman, Section 301 Committee.
[FR Doc. 94-2080 Filed 1-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-01-M