KEI Statements on USTR Special 301 List

The USTR report in now out, here.

The following are KEI comments:

James Love, Director, Knowledge Ecology International. 202.361.3040, james.love@keionline.org
“The report shows key trade officials are still led by corporate lobbies. There is scant evidence of new or independent analysis on innovation or consumer protection issues. A report like this is evidence that Ambassador Kirk needs to give more face time to people not working as lobbyists for publishers, pharmaceutical and medical companies.”

Judit Rius Sanjuan, Attorney, Knowledge Ecology International, Phone: +1 202 332 2670, Email: judit.rius@keionline.org

“The 2009 Special 301 Report that USTR released today is a deceptive unilateral trade tool that largely serves the interests U.S. corporations that have the resources to lobby Washington. It is shameful and disappointing that the first report of the new Obama administration cites developing countries for amending or using their laws in ways that are legal under the WTO rules. Ironically, the USA would do quite poorly if subjected to the same standards applied to others. The US has broader national exceptions, and issue more compulsory licenses than any developing country.”

See also: https://www.keionline.org/blogs/2009/04/30/tweeting-ustr-301/

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