Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92001E2175

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-2175/01 by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Copyright dispute between the US and the EU.** 
  
*Official Journal 160 E , 04/07/2002 P. 0008 - 0008*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2175/01

by Avril Doyle (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 July 2001)

Subject: Copyright dispute between the US and the EU

The Dispute-Settlement Body (TRIPS) set up as part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement provides that all members of the WTO must comply with international norms in relation to copyright protection which are set out in the Berne Convention.

The WTO Dispute-Settlement Body appointed a panel to investigate US copyright legislation and arbitrate on this matter and, in due course, ruled that the US was not complying with its international obligations under the above Agreement and Convention.

Since the deadline for the implementation of the WTO findings expires on 27 July 2001, and since the US has yet to implement those findings, could the Commission please ensure that it will continue to urge the US to implement international obligations in copyright protection and bring the US in line with international norms?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2001)

The Commission is very concerned about the lack of implementation by the United States of the World trade organisation (WTO) ruling on Section 110(5) of the American Copyright Act. Consequently, the Commission is taking every opportunity to remind the United States of its international obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The Commission will continue to insist that the United States brings its Copyright Act in conformity with the said Agreement.

However, in the interest of ensuring a satisfactory implementation of the WTO ruling for the benefit of Community righ-holders, the Community has agreed to an extension of the reasonable period for implementation, until end December 2001.

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