Washington, D.C. – Today the Office of the United States Trade Representative released a statement regarding the round of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations that concluded Friday, April 16 in Wellington, New Zealand:
“Based on the substantial progress achieved in ACTA negotiations this week, the United States and fellow ACTA participants jointly supported releasing a bracketed text in this particular negotiation. This text reflects our efforts to protect intellectual property and to safeguard consumers and businesses from pirated or potentially dangerous counterfeit products,” said USTR Spokeswoman Nefeterius McPherson.
“While the United States is pleased with the progress made in Wellington this week, more progress is needed, particularly in confirming the focus of key provisions of the agreement on enforcement measures against trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy. The agreement can be concluded soon if other participants make it a priority to achieve such progress now. The United States continues to oppose extending provisions on criminal and border enforcement against trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy to cover patents or other forms of intellectual property.”
“The United States expresses its appreciation to the Government of New Zealand for both its hospitality this week and its role in moving these negotiations closer to conclusion.”
