Malaysia not on Watch List for second time

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, for the second year running, is not on the
Watch List of countries that failed to reach a certain enforcement
level in intellectual property protection, as announced by the United
States recently.
The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and
Consumerism Ministry said the announcement was made by the US Trade
Representative through the 2013 Special 301 Report issued on Tuesday.
The
ministry said in a statement yesterday that Malaysia's non-inclusion on
the Watch List showed that the US acknowledged and appreciated the
Malaysian Government's efforts, particularly through the ministry, in
combating copyright piracy, and the production and sale of imitation
goods.
“These include amending the provisions in the Copyright
Act 1987 and Trade Description Act 2011, making the enforcement more
effective.
“This is another proud achievement by Malaysia at the
international level and will directly raise foreign investors'
confidence to continue investing in this country,” it said.
It
said the achievement was also due to the close cooperation between the
ministry and the owners of the branded goods listed in the Basket of
Brands.
“This initiative has facilitated enforcement against the
sale of imitation goods, making it more proactive and speedier,” it
added.
According to the report, there are over 20 countries
throughout the world which are on the Priority Watch List, as they have
not reached the enforcement level expected for intellectual property
protection.
They include Algeria, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand and Venezuela.
Countries
on the Watch List include the Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada,
Colombia, Mexico, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Israel, Turkey, Paraguay,
Jamaica, Finland, Italy, Greece, Romania and Peru. - Bernama