Hatch Statement on the Out-of-Cycle Review of India

Utah Senator Says, “The Obama Administration’s lack of concrete action against India’s blatant disregard for the protection of U.S. intellectual property rights continues to disappoint.” 

WASHINGTON - Today, the Obama Administration announced the close of the Office of U.S. Trade Representative’s 2014 Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) which evaluated India’s policies on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who had previously called on the Obama Administration to use the OCR to develop a meaningful and effective action plan with definitive timetables for implementation to address India’s ongoing assault against U.S. intellectual property rights, issued the following statement:

“The Obama Administration’s lack of concrete action against India’s blatant disregard for the protection of U.S. intellectual property rights continues to disappoint. Despite this review, the Obama Administration has failed to put forward an effective plan to address the serious problems with India’s intellectual property policies. If we are to successfully address India’s on-going disregard for the protection of U.S. intellectual property rights, it’s vital the Government of India and the Obama Administration act to develop a strong and meaningful action plan with concrete timetables for implementation.”

A longtime advocate of breaking down trade barriers, Hatch has long fought to promote strong enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights and enhance IP standards. Earlier this year, Hatch penned a letter to U.S. Trade Rep. Michael Froman asking the Ambassador to engage the new Indian government on intellectual property issues and report back on the findings of the OCR.

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