US trade official lauds RP efforts vs IPR violations

The United States has lauded the efforts of the Arroyo administration in strictly adhering to intellectual property rights.

This observation was relayed by US Trade Representative director for Southeast Asia and Pacific Affairs David Katz. Katz was in the country this week for talks on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and visited IP Philippines director general Adrian Cristobal Jr. on Monday.

US Embassy officials, including Economic Affairs counselor Robert Ludan, accompanied Katz.

During the meeting, Katz said the US recognizes the significant achievements the Arroyo government has attained on areas involving the promotion and protection of IPR in the country.

He specifically commended the strengthened coordination among the agencies involved in the campaign against piracy, trademark infringement and copyright violations.

The US official took notice of the Philippine government’s sustained enforcement campaign on IPR through its various units including the Bureau of Customs, PNP-CIDG, National Bureau of Investigation and the Optical Media Board.

Cristobal noted the positive remarks of Katz but added that irrespective of the USTR’s observation on the country, the promotion of IPR is also being undertaken as a part of the anti-poverty program of the government.

Cristobal said that protecting and promoting IPR would spur the economy further by stimulating innovation and attracting investments that would create jobs for Filipinos and generate income for the government.