WASHINGTON — April 27, 2016 — BSA | The Software Alliance welcomes the 2016 Special 301 Report released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative today. The Report assesses the state of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection worldwide and market access for IP owners by key trading partners.

“We share Ambassador Froman’s emphasis on rapid approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which contains important rules on intellectual property protection and market access for companies relying on intellectual property,” said Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance. “Despite improved IPR protection in some markets, the use of unlicensed software remains a significant global problem.

Furthermore, the report also highlights concerns BSA had raised about a number of policies that threaten market access, in markets including China and India. BSA supports policies that ensure open market access—including the free movement of data across borders—and effective intellectual property protection. These policies are indispensable to enable the software industry to continue innovating and fueling the global economy. The Special 301 Report, with its focus on assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of IPR and market access, is an important tool for achieving these objectives.

We thank Ambassador Froman and his team for their commitment to addressing these issues. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and other governments to develop strong IPR protections and open market access as they foster their economies, enhance quality of life, and create jobs."