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.
Topic Archives:Ip
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.
Following WTO ruling favourable to EU, China announces withdrawal of its anti-suit injunction policy
China has announced the withdrawal of its anti-suit injunction policy following a WTO ruling that found the policy violated WTO rules. The decision follows a dispute brought by the EU against China’s use of anti-suit injunctions to block foreign courts from adjudicating standard-essential patent licensing disputes. This represents a significant outcome in WTO dispute settlement […]
Taiwan and Marshall Islands Hold ECA Preparatory Meeting to Deepen Economic and Trade Partnership
Taiwan and the Marshall Islands held a preparatory meeting on April 8, 2026 for the ministerial-level Joint Committee under their Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), which entered into force in January 2025. The ECA covers investment, customs, and intellectual property, and the Joint Committee will institutionalize ongoing trade dialogue. The meeting marks an early implementation step […]
USTR Announces Section 301 Investigation of Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Practices
USTR Jamieson Greer has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s intellectual property protection and enforcement practices, following Vietnam’s designation as a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report published April 30. The investigation will assess whether Vietnam’s IP-related acts, policies, and practices are actionable under the Trade Act of 1974. This could […]