US Embassy hails RP on removal from IPR Priority Watch List

The US Embassy in Manila of Friday congratulated the Philippine government for its progress in the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), which enabled the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on February 15 to move the Philippines from the "Special 301 IPR Priority Watch List" to the "Watch List." “The US welcomes President Arroyo's leadership on this issue and continuing commitment to a strong interagency effort to sustain progress in protecting intellectual property rights and enforcing IPR laws," the US Embassy said in a statement posted in its website. “The US applauds the efforts of the Philippine government and industry in creating improved enforcement and protection capabilities in the area of intellectual property rights," the statement said. The Embassy said improved intellectual property is “in the interest of all countries" and contributes to a better business climate for both domestic and foreign investors in the Philippines. The US Embassy pledged to work closely with the Philippines “to sustain momentum and results on IPR protection and enforcement." The Philippines, along with other Watch List countries, will continue to undergo future reviews of the status of IPR protection and market access opportunities for US firms that rely on intellectual property protection.