Bush Administration Targets Nations for Piracy

The Bush administration has targeted 12 nations for failing to protect American producers of copyrighted material from recurrent piracy. This action may lead the administration to bring trade cases before the World Trade Organization. The countries targeted include China, Russia, Egypt, India, Argentina, Chile, Israel, Lebanon, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela. These countries were placed on a priority watch list which will make them the subject to extra scrutiny. Other countries were placed on monitoring lists at a lower level.

These actions were included in a report from the Bush administration. The report is used to provide Congress with information on problems that American companies are facing worldwide as a result of copyright piracy. The companies claim that they are losing billions of dollars from the violation of U.S copyrighted materials. The Bush administration revealed plans to bring two cases against China for not enforcing its laws on protecting American copyrights and patents. The report made by the administration states that it will be keeping a close eye on Russia to see how the nation fulfills its commitment to improving copyright protection there.

This agreement was made last year during Russia's efforts in becoming a part of the World Trade Organization. The administration has major concerns with Thailand over drugs and copyright protection. They are concerned that Thailand's protection for copyrights and patents are plummeting. There are also disputes between Thailand and U.S. drug companies regarding prices for medication to fight AIDS and other diseases. The efforts of the administration are applauded by many companies in the United States.

A representative from the Recording Association of America is happy with the administration's decision to place their targeting on China and Russia. The representative said that China is responsible for the massive piracy of sound recordings. He also stated that the largest criminal empires involved in music piracy are located in Russia. This includes pirate websites where people can download copyrighted music. The administration will also monitor Paraguay to make sure that it addresses copyright issues.

Belize, Canada and Dominican Republic are among the 31 countries that were placed on a lower-level monitoring list for copyright concerns. Placement on the higher priority list can trigger economic sanctions by the United States if further investigations indicate that a country has violated copyright laws and have not made attempts to stop it. The international development agency Oxafm America does not agree with the administration's plans for other countries including Thailand. A policy adviser with Oxafm America stated that the administration's report ignores international agreements signed by the United States government. The agreement states that developing countries have the right to place public health and interest over intellectual property rules.