US Prioritizes Trade Watchlist, Flags Major IP Concerns

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has placed India, along with China, Russia, and others, on the Special 301 Report's priority watch list for inadequate intellectual property rights protection. Vietnam is identified as the Priority Foreign Country due to its severe IP-related issues, prompting potential US investigations under the Trade Act.

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has released its Special 301 Report, highlighting global concerns over intellectual property rights protection. The report flags India among six nations, including China and Russia, on a priority watch list due to inadequate IP enforcement.

Vietnam has been marked as the Priority Foreign Country (PFC) for the first time in 13 years, acknowledging severe IP-related acts, practices, and policies that adversely affect US interests. The report indicates Vietnam's failure to engage in meaningful negotiations for enhancing IP protection.

The US may initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address these issues with Vietnam. The report continues to underscore the challenges in protecting intellectual property in major economies like India.