U.S. Continues Pushing Intellectual Property Right Protection in Vietnam-Diplomat

The U.S. will continue engaging closely with the government of Vietnam to push forward intellectual property rights protection, U.S. Ambassador Michael Michalak said last week.

 

Many things should be done despite progress in building and implementing an IPR legal framework by Vietnam, Michael Michalak told a roundtable discussion on the issue in Vietnam with the U.S. companies.

 

“I agree that Vietnam has made progress, however, significant problems persist, as the country’s enforcement regime is still weak,” the U.S. diplomat noted.

 

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in late April this year released the 2008 Special 302 Report, which named Vietnam among 36 other economies, which remain on the watch list with 9 countries being placed on this year’s priority watch list, the Vietnam Investment Review newspaper said.

 

China and Russia are taking the lead.

 

The U.S. embassy will work closely with key officials in Vietnamese ministries and agencies for IPR to promote laws and reinforce regulations and raise public awareness on IPR.

 

U.S. companies see Vietnam as an important and promising trade and investment partner, particularly after the country became a WTO member. (VIR)