US-based industry groups such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American and the Biotechnology Industry Organization are urging the US Government to effect a downgrade of Thailand’s listing from the “watch list” to the “priority foreign country” list, the worst status assigned to countries by the U.S. Trade Representative. These countries are deemed to lack adequate and effective intellectual property rights or market access for US entities. The USTR is considering these recommendations from such rights holders, and the official report will be out soon. If the US Government so acts, Thai products could face higher US import tariffs to compensate for intellectual property losses.
Among the issues of concern to US industry are enforcement of compulsory licensing of US drugs, access to essential medicines, unauthorized camcording in movie theaters and IP rights in digital networks. LGP is heavily involved in strengthening IP and related rights for US and Asian clients in Thailand.