[A2k] question re ACTA and G8 (Petra Buhr replies)

[Manon Ress]

questions re ACTA:

Some people saw your comment on the a2k list about the possibility
that ACTA might be signed around the G8 summit in Hokkaido.  Any more
details?

Answer from Petra:

Hi there,

there is a general G8 information page from the University of Toronto
where they collect information on the possible agenda.

http://www.g8.utoronto.ca/evaluations/2008hokkaido/2008plan/2008plan.html#ipr


ACTA is mentioned in the section on IPR to be discussed in a "basic
version" and Japan wants to reach a "basic agreement".

But I'm not sure this will be the case. All information is from a
Japaneese Newspapers - I guess from government sources. So this is was
Japan wants. But this is no surprise since Japan is more or less the
orgin of the treaty proposal (see
http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/acta/discussion-paper.html).

On the last G8 summit it was decided to put IPR back on the agenda as a
priority in 2009 and to keep up the (enforcement) process till than in
the background. Also Russia is on board there and I don't think they
have an interest in signing that treaty.

So my guess is it'll be not much more than one step on the way to a
treaty. But I can be completely wrong . And at least it is one step and
it would be great to discuss what to do. If anybody has more
information or interest in discussing that please sign on at
acta@ipjustice.org w ith a short introduction.

--Petra Buhr
Global Policy Fellow
IP Justice

www.ipjustice.org
petra@ipjustice.org


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