Robert Lighthizer, the US Trade Representative (USTR), has closed an investigation into Thailand’s IP protection and enforcement after progress was made by the country. The probe, a special 301 out-of-cycle review, was initiated in September this year after Thailand was placed on the priority watch list in the “2017 Special 301 Report”. Released in April, the report is an annual review of the state of IP protection and enforcement for US trading partners around the world. It found that US rights holders continued to face challenges with respect to “adequate and effective IP protection and enforcement, as well as fair and equitable market access” in Thailand. However, at the time, the US noted that it was prepared to review Thailand’s status if the country continued to take positive action on IP issues and made substantial progress in addressing concerns. On December 15, Lighthizer announced that the review has been closed and that Thailand has been moved from the priority watch list to the watch list.

Source: WIPR