Cutting Down on Counterfeiters and Pirates

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently released the results of its review of "notorious markets." The results identify marketplaces both online and in various locations associated with counterfeiting and piracy enforcement actions.

The notorious markets include the Web site Baidu, which was recently ranked the number one most visited site in China and is among the top ten sites in the world.  The site contains links to online locations that contain counterfeit or copyright-infringed items.

According to the press release that accompanied the release of the report:

“Piracy and counterfeiting undermine the innovation and creativity that is vital to our global competitiveness. These notorious markets not only hurt American workers and businesses, but are threats to entrepreneurs and industries around the world,” said United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. “The review we are announcing today shines a light on examples of many offending markets, and highlights an opportunity to work together with our trading partners to curb illicit trade and expand legitimate commerce in creative and innovative industries.”

Among the notorious markets that have brick and mortar locations is the Silk Market in Beijing.

The USTR and the U.S. government are consulting U.S. trading partners to crack down on counterfeiting and piracy.  One such plan with the government of Ukraine was recently announced with the intention of acting against mp3 sites.

♦ photo by slettvet/flickr