98-21641. Extension of Section 301 Investigation: Intellectual Property Laws and Practices of the Government of Paraguay  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 1998)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 43227-43228]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-21641]
    
    
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    OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
    
    [Docket No. 301-117]
    
    
    Extension of Section 301 Investigation: Intellectual Property 
    Laws and Practices of the Government of Paraguay
    
    AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.
    
    ACTION: Notice.
    
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    SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined 
    to extend the investigation of the acts, policies and practices of the 
    Government of Paraguay that deny adequate and effective protection of 
    intellectual property rights.
    
    DATES: The USTR made this determination on Tuesday, August 4, 1998.
    
    ADDRESSES: Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th 
    Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20508.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Claude Burcky, Director for Intellectual Property, (202) 395-6864; 
    Kellie Meiman, Director for Mercosur and the Southern Cone, (202) 395-
    5190; or Geralyn S. Ritter, Assistant General Counsel, (202) 395-6800.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 16, 1998, the USTR identified 
    Paraguay as a Priority Foreign Country under the ``Special 301'' 
    provisions of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2242). In 
    identifying Paraguay as a Priorty Foreign Country, the USTR noted 
    deficiencies in Paraguay's acts, policies and practices regarding 
    intellectual property, including a lack of effective action to enforce 
    intellectual property rights. The USTR also observed that the 
    Government of Paraguay has failed to enact adequate and effective 
    intellectual property legislation covering patents, copyrights and 
    trademarks. As required under Section 302(b)(2)(A) of the Trade Act (19 
    U.S.C. 2412(b)(2)(A)), an investigation of these acts, policies and 
    practices was initiated on February 17, 1998.
    
    Extension of Investigation
    
        Numerous bilateral negotiations have been held on these issues 
    since the initiation of this investigation. Although Paraguay has 
    indicated that it will take a number of actions to improve protection 
    for intellectual property and, in particular, to strengthen the 
    enforcement of intellectual property rights, significant progress on a 
    majority of U.S. concerns has not occurred. These issues are too 
    complex and complicated to resolve before the end of
    
    [[Page 43228]]
    
    the six-month statutory deadline for concluding this investigation. 
    USTR will look to the new government taking office in Paraguay in mid-
    August to move quickly to address the continuing serious deficiencies 
    in Paraguay's intellectual property regime.
        In light of the need for further time for negotiations to resolve 
    these remaining issues, the USTR has determined pursuant to section 
    304(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Trade Act, that ``complex or complicated issues 
    are involved in the investigation that require additional time.'' The 
    USTR has therefore extended this investigation, and will make a final 
    determination by November 17, 1998.
    Irving A. Williamson,
    Chairman, Section 301 Committee.
    [FR Doc. 98-21641 Filed 8-11-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3190-01-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/12/1998
Department:
Trade Representative, Office of United States
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
98-21641
Dates:
The USTR made this determination on Tuesday, August 4, 1998.
Pages:
43227-43228 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 301-117
PDF File:
98-21641.pdf