[A2k] USTR to hold 301 hearings

[Sean Flynn]

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In a call with public health advocates last week, USTR stated that it is
likely to hold public hearings on this year's Special 301 report. This
would be the first time that USTR holds live public hearings as part of
its investigation process for the creation of the special 301 report,
which designates "watch lists" of countries that deny "adequate and
effective" IP protection.



USTR stated that the federal register notice setting the date for the
hearings and inviting comments may come out as early as "late December
or early January." Interested parties can receive notice of the register
release by signing up for USTR press releases on their web site.



USTR also stated that they were creating a Special 301 website with
background documents and information and were interested in taking other
measures to enhance participation in the 301 process, particularly by
public interest groups and foreign countries who are often
non-participants in the program.



Public health groups called for some of these (and additional) changes
in the 301 process in their May 19 submission to USTR on public interest
changes to US Trade Policy.



Sean Flynn

Associate Director

Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property

American University Washington College of Law

202 274 4157

www.pijip.org