Govt hopeful of upgrade from US Priority Watch
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THE government has high expectations that the United States will upgrade its trade status to the Watch List next year after passage of anti-camcording legislation and serious suppression of illegal goods in 13 notorious markets.
Malee Choklumlerd, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, said the US should be satisfied with Thailand’s attempt to reduce intellectual-property-right infringements and passing of laws to punish violators.
“I believe that the US will consider upgrading our trade status from the Priority Watch List to the Watch List after we demonstrated suppression of IPR violations, passed relevant laws, and increased awareness of IPR in the past years,” she said.
The hoped-for upgrade should ensure that Thailand does not face any more trouble trading with the US. Otherwise, the US could cut some assistance or stop granting some trade privileges.
Thailand has been on the Priority Watch List under the US Special 301 Report since 2008 on grounds that it lacks awareness of IPR protection and particular laws to prevent violations.
The government should finally come up with legislation to prevent recording films in cinemas with camcorders. The law will be announced in the Royal Gazette, and should be implemented soon.
The department has also worked closely with the Royal Thai Police to crack down on IP violations in many areas, particularly 13 notorious markets that are known to sell copycat goods. They are in Silom, Pantip, Patong, Patpong, Klong Thom, and other areas.
The department has also worked more closely with the US after Washington sent a team to work with Thai officials for a month, while the Thai government has seriously punished IPR violators.
As a sustainable measure to prevent the sale of copycat goods, the department has also set up a project to encourage traders to sell only legal products.
