ACTA Is Finalised and Ready for Signing, Says Japan

(Out-Law.com)

An international trade agreement that targets intellectual property (IP) rights infringers has been finalised, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a voluntary international treaty that seeks to provide standardised international enforcement of IP rights. ACTA was negotiated in secret by the Governments of a collection of countries over the past three years.

The treaty has been controversial because of secrecy surrounding its negotiation; because it operates outside of existing trade bodies the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO); and because earlier drafts reportedly sought to impose measures which could interfere with individuals’ rights.

ACTA has been finalised since April and has been open to countries to adopt into since the start of May, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

“The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was opened for signature on May 1, following its adoption by participants in its negotiations on April 15. The Government of Japan will receive signatures as the Depositary of this Agreement,” the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a statement. “The Government of Japan looks to continue efforts with the other concerned countries with a view to bringing the ACTA into effect as soon as possible,” the Japanese Ministry said. Read more here.