Last week the Russian and US governments signed an agreement that contains an action plan to protect intellectual property rights. The agreement requires the parties to fight online piracy, close websites hosting litigious content, allocate funds for anti-piracy enforcement measures and coordinate efforts towards these ends.
Russia will have to alter its current legislation – particularly regarding providers’ responsibility for copyright infringement – and also consult with American authorities about strengthening administrative sanctions on piracy.
The Americans are ready and willing to help the Russians implement a copyright warning system which, if ignored, would see an abuser’s internet connection severed, reported Vedomosti.
In an exchange with the business daily, the head of a Russian industry association expressed fears that the plan could mean that the Internet in Russia would be regulated along lines favorable to US rights holders.
Universal Music Russia general director Dmitry Konnov told Vedomosti that the conclusion of the agreement is the apparent result of steps taken by industries in the United States, where the feeling is that it is high time for Russia to conform to globally recognized regulations.
“Agreement on the IPR Action Plan represents a significant step at a historic time in our bilateral economic relationship. With this step, Russia and the United States have demonstrated a serious commitment to continued engagement on strengthening IPR protection and enforcement,” commented United States Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk.
“This step is particularly important in light of Russia’s recent membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the application of the WTO Agreement between us. Russia has made commendable progress in improving its IPR regime, and the Action Plan signals a commitment to maintain that momentum to address IPR priorities,” Kirk added.
Two leading Russian sites, Vkontakte and Rutracker were still listed as serial IPR offenders in a report released earlier this month by the US Trade Representative.
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