US USTR Designates China, Russia, and 5 Other Countries as Priority Watch List Nations

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States Trade Representative (USTR) designated seven countries including China, Russia, Argentina, Chile, India, Indonesia, and Venezuela as Priority Watch List countries in its annual report on intellectual property protection, the '2022 Special 301 Report,' released on the 27th (local time).

USTR stated, "We have closely monitored China's implementation of the US-China Phase One trade agreement," adding, "Last year, China amended its Patent Law, Copyright Law, and Criminal Law and took measures to protect intellectual property rights, but the efforts remain insufficient." China has been listed as a Priority Watch List country since the Donald Trump administration and continues to be so under the Joe Biden administration.

Twenty countries including Canada, Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Turkey, and Uzbekistan were included in the Watch List, one level below. South Korea was not included in either list.

In the case of Ukraine, it was designated as a Priority Watch List country last year due to unauthorized use of illegal software, but this year its evaluation was deferred due to the impact of Russia's invasion. Saudi Arabia was also removed from the Priority Watch List.

Catherine Tai, USTR Representative, said, "Intellectual property-intensive industries support 60 million jobs, and we must strongly protect these industries overseas," adding, "The Biden administration will continue its engagement to protect our workers and industries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.