Washington — The Computer & Communications Industry Association filed comments today with the U.S. Trade Representative, as part of USTR’s review for its upcoming Special 301 report.
For this year’s report, CCIA’s comments ask USTR to identify countries that are not respecting the full breadth of exceptions and limitations in intellectual property obligations, that discriminate against U.S. content, and that undermine trade secret protections, in ways that pose trade barriers for U.S. exporters. CCIA also filed an intent to testify at the Feb. 19 public hearing on the matter.
U.S. online service providers provide a key avenue for the export of U.S. intellectual property and bring much-needed surplus to boost the overall services trade balance.
The following quote can be attributed to Jonathan McHale, CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade:
“Foreign jurisdictions are increasingly targeting U.S. IP-intensive exports through extractive policies seeking to benefit domestic competitors. Mandatory content quotas and streaming funding obligations, online news link taxes, and forced tech transfers all undermine U.S. digital leadership around the world. Additionally, there are several countries that are failing to uphold the limitations and exceptions of multilateral and bilateral agreements that underpin the functioning of the internet. The Special 301 report serves as an ideal venue for the United States to begin investigating and addressing these barriers to bring relief to U.S. exporters and workers.”
