‘Frontline ally’ USA keeps India on IP Priority Watch List, upgrades Pakistan

The USA on Wednesday retained India on its Priority Watch List for “lack of sufficient measurable improvements” to the IP framework despite robust engagement and positive steps on intellectual property protection and enforcement by the Indian government in the last two years. 

Releasing its annual 301 Report, the US said that it will continue to put India and China on its priority watch list for intellectual property rights (IPR). Pakistan, however, has been upgraded from the Priority Watch List to the Watch List, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said in its annual report. “India remains on the Priority Watch List this year for lack of sufficient measurable improvements to its IPR framework despite more robust engagement and positive steps forward on IPR protection and enforcement undertaken by the Government of India,” the USTR said in its report. USTR retains the option of conducting an Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) of India should developments positive or negative weigh in favour of a review in advance of the annual cycle, the report said. “Intellectual property is a critical source of economic growth and high-quality jobs... and it is more important than ever to prevent foreign governments and competitors from ripping off United States innovators.” said US Trade Representative Michael Froman.