USTR Adjusts Deadlines for 2010 "Special 301" Review
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a press release announcing that due to inclement weather, most filing deadlines are being extended for public comments and other submissions in its 2010 "Special 301" review.
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(USTR requested comments on countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection.
USTR requested this information as it is required to identify which, if any, countries should be identified as Priority Foreign Countries by Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, commonly referred to as the ''Special 301'' provisions.)
Most Comment and Request Deadlines Extended
For interested parties, except for foreign governments, written comments, and requests to testify at the Special 301 public hearing and accompanying hearing statements are now due on February 18, 2010 (extended from Feb. 16).
For foreign governments, written comments and hearing statements are now due on February 26, 2010 (extended from Feb. 23).
(The deadline for foreign governments to submit requests to testify at the Special 301 public hearing remains February 23, 2010.)
Hearing Still Scheduled for March 3rd, Additional Days as Necessary
The Special 301 Public Hearing will take place as previously scheduled on March 3, 2010, and additional days from March 4-8, as necessary, at the International Trade Commission office in Washington, DC.
USTR Seeking Comments on Foreign IPR Practices and Problems, Etc.
USTR is requesting written submissions concerning foreign countries' acts, policies, or practices that are relevant to the decision whether a particular trading partner should be identified as a Priority Foreign Country under Section 182 of the Trade Act or placed on the "Priority Watch List" or "Watch List."
(SeeITT's Online Archives or 01/15/10 news, 10011525, for BP summary of USTR's original request for comments.)
USTR contact - Jennifer Groves (202) 395-4510
USTR press release (dated 02/12/10) available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/february/ustr-extends-filing-deadlines-2010-special-301-co