What are “priority” countries, and what are “watch list” countries?
The office of the U.S. Trade Representative is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. policy in international trade, commodities and direct investment, and leading or directing negotiations with other countries on such matters. As part of its annual Special 301 review, the office of the USTR may place trading partners it regards as egregious violators of intellectual property rights – including those of pharmaceutical companies – on a “Priority Watch List,” and less serious violators on a “Watch List.” Failure to remedy the violations may lead to unilateral trade sanctions by the United States. In her Special 301 review for the year 2000, Trade Representative Charlene Barshevsky placed 16 trading partners on the Priority Watch List, and 39 on the Watch List. Countries on the U.S. Watch List are monitored for progress in implementing intellectual property rights protections and for providing comparable market access for U.S. intellectual property products.
