US-AUS FTA Stalled Over Intellectual Property Issues

According to an October 28, 2004 article in IP Law Bulletin, "Lingering disagreements over intellectual property issues are likely to stall the implementation of the free-trade agreement between Australia and the U.S., originally set to come into effect in January."

US officials have reportedly expressed concerns over Australia's price protections on pharmaceuticals. The Australian Parliament is proposing fines against US pharmaceutical companies that keep cheap generic drugs from entering the Australian market. Other issues raised by the proposed Agreement include

• The duration and breadth of copyright protection
• Technical protection measures
• Parallel importation
• Work for hire
• Health issues
• IPRs and foreign investment

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