Statement by Senator Chris Dodd on the Release of the 2014 USTR Special 301 Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2014
STATEMENT BY MPAA CHAIRMAN AND CEO SENATOR CHRIS DODD ON THE RELEASE OF THE 2014 USTR SPECIAL 301 REPORT
Washington — The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) today released its 25th annual Special 301 report evaluating the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) among 82 U.S. trading partners, placing 10 countries on the Priority Watch List and 27 countries on the Watch List. Over the past 25 years, these annual reports have highlighted the challenges the creative industries confront overseas and have been vital to advocacy efforts around the world.
“The Special 301 report is a critical tool in reducing online content theft around the world and ensuring that the hard work of creators and makers is protected. This year’s report shows the great progress that is being made in territories such as Italy, but also highlights the numerous challenges that we continue to face around the world,” said Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). “The MPAA commends U.S. Trade Representative Mike Froman and his team for their continued leadership and diligent attention to these important efforts.”
Dodd added, “Italy has made a real effort to protect and support the people who work in its creative sectors.” Dodd went on to say that, “the MPAA applauds Italy’s leadership in developing a fast-track online enforcement system for massive infringements. The Italian Communications Authority has addressed the challenge of achieving a balance for the protection of users and creators alike and is to be commended for its work.”
This year’s report also highlights the continued challenges the creative industries confront in Switzerland and it is the hope of the MPAA that the Government of Switzerland will follow Italy’s lead and prioritize the importance of protecting intellectual property rights on the internet, fostering a healthy and legitimate online marketplace.
Other areas of concern highlighted in this year’s report are the illicit “camcording” of films in theaters and signal theft throughout the Caribbean.
To read the USTR Special 301 report click HERE.
To read the USTR Special 301 press release click HERE.
About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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For more information, contact:
Howard Gantman
(202) 293-1966
Howard_Gantman@motionpictures.org