Summary
The USTR Special 301 Report 2015 assesses the intellectual property rights protection and enforcement in seventy-two countries, with India included on the Priority Watch List. The report highlights India's ongoing efforts to enhance its IP regime, including the formulation of a National IP Policy and measures to address IP violations both offline and online. Although no out of cycle review is scheduled for India this year, the USTR remains attentive to India's progress. The report underscores the expectation that recent initiatives will result in substantive improvements in India's IPR environment. The analysis reflects a structured and objective evaluation of India's position in global IP standards.
Overview
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released the 2015 Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property rights protection and enforcement by United States trading partners. Seventy-two countries were reviewed, of which twenty-four have been placed on the Watch List and thirteen on the Priority Watch List. Countries on the Watch List include Canada, Colombia, and Brazil. India, China, Russia, and Indonesia have been placed on the Priority Watch List.
India: No Out-of-Cycle Review Scheduled
In the previous year, the USTR had conducted out-of-cycle reviews for India with the aim of engaging with India to improve intellectual property protection in the country. For 2015, no out-of-cycle review has been scheduled; however, the USTR noted that it will monitor India carefully and decide the course of action accordingly. The USTR expressed the expectation that initiatives undertaken in 2014 will bring about substantive and measurable improvements in India’s intellectual property rights regime for the benefit of a broad range of innovative and creative industries.
Domestic Context
India’s initiative to formulate a National IP Policy, and its measures towards enforcement of intellectual property violations both offline and online, are cited as positive steps. The expectation is that these developments will improve India’s standing on international intellectual property indices.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified attorney before acting on any matter discussed here.