ASEAN and Japan held discussions on upgrading the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), targeting a formal upgrade negotiation launch by 2027. The upgrade aims to cover digital economy, green economy, supply chain resilience, services trade, movement of natural persons, IP, and MSME facilitation. Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations participated and supports close continued consultations.
Topic Archives:Ip
Taiwan and New Zealand Deepen Economic Cooperation through ANZTEC at 13th Joint Committee Meeting
The 13th ANZTEC Joint Committee meeting was held on August 17, covering implementation of chapters on SPS, TBT, e-commerce, IP, and labor. Taiwan secured expanded market access for orchids and anthurium cut flowers to New Zealand following a May 2026 export protocol signing. Both sides also agreed to pursue institutional exchanges on the Peppol e-procurement […]
Public Hearing on Section 301 Investigation of Germany’s Underpayment for Innovative Pharmaceuticals
USTR will hold a public hearing on September 22, 2026 regarding a Section 301 investigation into Germany’s policies related to persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products. The investigation examines German acts and practices that may constitute unfair trade practices affecting U.S. pharmaceutical market access. This is a formal trade remedy proceeding that could lead to […]
WTO TRIPS Council reviews IP notifications, pandemic preparedness, biodiversity and office cooperation
The WTO TRIPS Council met on 22-23 July 2026 to discuss member notifications of IP legislation, pandemic preparedness and technology transfer, the TRIPS-CBD relationship, and cooperation among IP offices. The session also covered technical cooperation updates and a side event on genetic resources. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Alaa Hegazy of Egypt.
CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement on Expansion, Implementation, and Cooperation
CPTPP ministers issued a joint statement covering the agreement’s expansion, implementation, and cooperation. The statement addresses ongoing accession processes and operational matters for the trans-Pacific trade bloc. Specific policy outcomes on membership and implementation were announced.
Commission presents Council with EU-Indonesia CEPA and Investment Protection Agreement for signature
The European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia. These agreements mark a significant step toward formalizing bilateral trade and investment relations between the EU and Indonesia.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Germany’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Practices
USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Germany’s persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products, with a comment docket opened June 25, 2026 and a deadline of August 10, 2026. The notice of initiation was published June 18, 2026. This investigation could lead to tariffs or other trade measures against Germany.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Germany’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Practices
USTR Jamieson Greer has initiated a Section 301 investigation against Germany over alleged persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products. The investigation will determine whether Germany’s pricing practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. This is a formal trade action under the Trade Act of 1974 that could lead to retaliatory tariffs […]
UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade Deal: Conclusion Summary
The UK government has published a conclusion summary outlining the provisions and chapters of the newly concluded UK-GCC free trade agreement. The document covers the full scope of the deal’s trade policy content across multiple chapters. This marks a significant bilateral trade agreement between the UK and the six GCC member states.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Practices
USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to intellectual property protection and enforcement, with the investigation notice issued May 29, 2026. A public comment docket is open through July 2, 2026. The investigation could lead to trade measures against Vietnam.