Because the Gulf States look to Saudi Arabia s law as a model, these changes should be made as soon as possible. The amendments recommended are straightforward and should be noncontroversial. We understand that drafting has already begun to amend the law. If technical assistance is needed, we are confident that it will be provided by WIPO, by the U.S. government and by IIPA and its members. Saudi Arabia is a very significant potential market for U.S. copyright industries and the key to improving the market environment in the remainder of the Gulf region.
IIPA members stand ready to work with the Saudi government to undertake extensive training.
However, we need the cooperation of the government which to date has been lacking. We urge USTR to return Saudi Arabia to the Priority Watch List in 1997 unless major enforcement improvements are made immediately.