CDT Joins Call for Transparency in Proposed I.P. Trade Agreement

CDT and numerous other domestic and international public interest organizations sent a letter yesterday pressing for public disclosure of specific provisions being considered by negotiators of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. The proposed treaty could touch on a range of intellectual property issues, including such broadly important topics as how I.P. enforcement regimes should address Internet distribution and information technology. But no draft text has been released. The lack of transparency, combined with an aggressive timetable aiming for a completed agreement by the end of the year, creates a serious risk that controversial provisions could be adopted with no meaningful opportunity for input or debate.