USTR reinstates GSP benefits for Ukraine

Embassy of the United States

KYIV - In recognition of the Ukrainian government's efforts to improve the enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman on January 23 announced that the United States will reinstate Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for Ukraine and lower Ukraine's designation under Special 301 from Priority Foreign Country to Priority Watch List.

"I commend the government of Ukraine for its sustained efforts to crack down on copyright piracy and urge the government to continue their efforts," said Ambassador Portman.

In 2001 significant illegal manufacturing of optical media products, such as CDs and DVDs, was occurring in Ukraine. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative designated Ukraine as a Priority Foreign Country and repeatedly urged Ukraine to take steps to address this problem.

In July 2005 Ukraine passed legislation that strengthens its licensing regime and enforcement efforts to stem the illegal production and trade of CDs and DVDs.

"Since the legislation passed, Ukraine has been actively inspecting plants licensed to manufacture optical discs, conducting raids against businesses involved in commercial distribution of IPR-infringing products and imposing fines against infringers," Mr. Portman continued.

"We strongly urge Ukraine to keep up these efforts, which reflect positively on the investment environment in Ukraine," he added.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 29, 2006, No. 5, Vol. LXXIV

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