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Ukraine named top violator of copyrights

The US said Monday it would keep trade sanctions on Ukraine as the worst violator of copyright protection, while citing China and dozens of other countries for failing to stem piracy.

A report by the US Trade Representative's office cited 52 countries among 85 surveyed for shortcomings in protection of intellectual property.

The annual report highlights problems with protection of copyrights -- ranging from counterfeit consumer goods and pharmaceuticals to piracy of music CDs and Hollywood films on DVDs.

Ukraine remained the only country designated as "priority foreign country" under the "Special 301" report review named for a section of US trade law.

Another 14 countries and the EU were on a "priority watch list" for shortcomings in enforcing intellectual property protection. And 34 others were on a "watch list" under Section 301.

China and Paraguay were cited under another trade act, Section 306, that calls for special monitoring of agreements to correct problems.

The report singled out Ukraine, citing US "disappointment [over] Ukraine's persistent failure to take effective action against significant levels of optical media piracy and to implement intellectual property laws that provide adequate and effective protection."

As a result of the report, the US will maintain US$75 million in sanctions imposed on Ukrainian products in 2002.

"This continued failure to protect intellectual property rights could also jeopardize Ukraine's efforts to join the World Trade Organization and seriously undermine its efforts to attract trade and investment," the report noted.

The report had harsh words for China as well, saying combating piracy and counterfeiting in China "is one of the administration's top priorities."

Although the US secured a commitment from China's Vice Premier Wu Yi (吳儀) to step up enforcement, the report said Washington is monitoring this closely.

"These actions ... are critical in light of the rampant counterfeit and piracy problems that plague China's domestic market and the fact that China has become a leading exporter of counterfeit and pirated goods to the world," the report noted.

The report noted progress in several countries, including new legislation in Poland and the Philippines to combat optical disc piracy.
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