WASHINGTON – December 9, 2019 – Today, global tech trade associations BSA | The Software Alliance and ITI issued the following statement regarding the current status of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which is responsible for adjudicating appeals from panel decisions in trade disputes brought at the WTO.

“Effective and enforceable international trade commitments foster a legal environment in which businesses can plan and grow – to the benefit of investors, workers, consumers, and the global economy as a whole. We support the goals of improving the predictability, credibility, and effectiveness of the WTO’s existing multilateral dispute settlement system but are concerned that a protracted lapse in the functioning of the Appellate Body could undermine those goals. We encourage all WTO members to take steps to protect the integrity and continuity of the multilateral dispute settlement system.”

On December 10, the terms of two of the three sitting Appellate Body judges will expire. Absent the appointment of additional members, this will leave the Appellate Body with only one remaining sitting Appellate Body judge, which will prevent the formation of new appeals panels.

ABOUT ITI 

ITI advocates for public policies that advance innovation, open markets, and enable the transformational economic, societal, and commercial opportunities that our companies are creating. Our members represent the entire spectrum of technology: from internet companies, to hardware and networking equipment manufacturers, to software developers. ITI’s diverse membership and expert staff provide a broad perspective and intelligent insight in confronting the implications and opportunities of policy activities around the world. Visit http://www.itic.org/ to learn more. Follow us on Twitter for the latest ITI news @ITI_TechTweets.