The International Intellectual Property and Enforcement Act of 2008: Another Shot Across the Bow for Exporters from Priority Watch List Countries

Abstract

This Commentary briefly discusses the new bill introduced by Senators Baucus and Hatch to provide better monitoring and enforcement of intellectual property protection in countries whose IP regimes are deemed to be especially lax and damaging to US economic interests. The new bill is the latest installment in a long saga of attempts by US industries who own and export intellectual property to better protect their interests in global markets.

Keywords: intellectual property, WTO, international trade, Special 301, USTR, General System of Preferences, WTO Government Procurement Agreement, trade policy formulation

JEL Classification: F13, K33