David Thomas: “Yesterday the U.S. Trade Representative released its annual Special 301 report on the protection of U.S. intellectual…”

“Yesterday the U.S. Trade Representative released its annual Special 301 report on the protection of U.S. intellectual property rights [IPR] by foreign countries. It will come as no surprise to my colleagues that topping the list of countries which routinely permit the pirating of American IPR is the People's Republic of China [PRC]. In fact, the PRC is the only country identified as a ``priority foreign country,'' meaning that its policies and practices--or lack thereof-- have had the greatest adverse impact on American goods. The Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, which I chair, has held three hearings on this issue. Let me share a little of what the subcommittee has learned from those hearings with my colleagues. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is the principal mechanism through which an administration addresses unfair foreign trade practices. Section 301 gives the President broad powers to enforce U.S. rights under bi- and multi-lateral trade agreements, and to seek to eliminate acts or policies of foreign governments that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.”