Embassy of the United States Ottawa, Canada

Canada will remain on the Watch List, subject to essential progress on key issues in the coming months. Canada embraced improving IPR protection and enforcement as a priority in the Speech from the Throne in October 2007. The United States looks to the Government of Canada to deliver on these priorities through prompt and effective action on key issues, such as copyright reform and enhanced border enforcement of intellectual property rights. The United States welcomes Canada's continued cooperation on bilateral and multilateral IPR initiatives, and notes progress in the form of Canada's issuance of measures in 2007 to criminalize camcording of copyrighted films in movie theaters. The United States notes its continuing serious concerns, however, with Canada's failure to accede to and implement the WIPO Internet Treaties. The United States also continues to urge Canada to improve its IPR enforcement system to enable authorities to take effective action against the trade in counterfeit and pirated products within Canada, as well as curb the volume of infringing products transshipped and transiting through Canada. Canada's weak border measures continue to be a serious concern for IP owners. The United States hopes that Canada will implement legislative changes to provide a stronger border enforcement system by giving its customs officers ex officio authority to seize products suspected of being pirated or counterfeit without the need for a court order. The provision of additional resources and training to customs officers and domestic law enforcement personnel would enhance IPR enforcement. The United States will continue to monitor Canada's progress in providing an adequate and effective IPR protection and enforcement regime, including improved border enforcement and near term accession to and implementation of the WIPO Internet Treaties.