Special 301

Special 301 in Global Commerce Policy

In this regard, a definition of this issue is as follows: the common name for Section 1303 of the 1988 United States Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act. The entries on trade policy are here. It requires USTR to make investigations every year of foreign countries that deny adequate and effective protection to United States intellectual property rights or that deny fair and equitable market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Countries that have the most onerous or egregious conditions and whose conditions have the greatest adverse actual or potential impact on relevant United States products must be designated as priority foreign countries. This is done through the priority watch list. Placement on this list results in increased USTR attention. There is also a watch list. Countries on it are thought to pose problems, but not of a sufficient nature to require action. The entries on trade policy are here. Investigations initiated as a result of Special 301 are fast-track. The entries on trade policy in the Encyclopedia are here. Unfairness and retaliation determinations must be made within six months of initiating an investigation. The entries on trade policy are here. A particular feature of Special 301 is that, following amendment through the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, it can be applied to countries denying adequate and effective intellectual property protection even if they are in compliance with their obligations under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The entries on trade policy are here. In contrast to Super 301, Special 301 does not have to be renewed at fixed intervals. See also Section 301.[1]

Special 301in the wold Encyclopedia

For an introductory overview on international trade policy, see this entry.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Dictionary of Trade Policy, “Special 301” entry (OAS)

See Also