Greatly expanding on Wednesday’s report that the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) and the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) were stepping up their efforts fighting piracy from China, another report has been filed naming over 60 more countries involved in this practice. The report was filed to the U.S. government under the “Special 301″ trade law, which identifies countries that present major copyright issues for businesses. Countries under Special 301 can be impacted in serious ways, including potential sanctions for those labeled as Priority Foreign Countries.The IIPA has asked the government to name Russia, Pakistan and Ukraine as Priority Countries.
The IIPA reports that U.S. copyright-based industries lost an estimated $13.4 billion due to international piracy in 2004. Globally, businesses may have lost between $25-30 billion, and this estimate does not even factor in Internet piracy.
In a statement, Neil Turkewitz, RIAA International EVP, said, “Today’s filing reinforces a submission made earlier this week by the same coalition of copyright industries proposing that USTR initiate consultations with China in the WTO.” He continues, “A nation whose de facto policy permits the unchecked activity of commercial pirates should not be granted favorable treatment.”
Turkewitz identifies Russia, Pakistan and Ukraine as Priority Foreign Countries, saying Ukraine “has failed to fulfill all of its commitments on copyright enforcement. We are, however, encouraged by the arrival of a new and pro-active government, which raises hope for a rapid solution of our outstanding problems in Ukraine” He also singles out the Brazilian government for “failure to take effective action against a piracy situation that is decimating their own and U.S. copyright industries.”
The IIPA suggests 15 more countries be placed on the Priority Watch List as well. Their report can be found here.
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