One of the most important trade issues today is that of the protection of intellectual property rights. The United States loses a vast amount of value in intellectual property rights abroad every year by piracy. This research examines the issue of intellectual property rights and piracy in the United States, Japan and Mexico.
The right of intellectual property is defined as "any right existing that is recognized under, inter alia, patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or mask work regimes" (Lackert 162). An estimated $40 billion is earned from foreign sales of United States copyrighted products each year. The audiovisual industry, comprised of motion pictures, videocassettes, music and related products, represents the second greatest export for the United States. Advanced technological innovations and global distribution networks have enabled American culture to transcend international borders. In fact, most major motion picture studios reaped higher foreign box office growth than domestic in 1993. Currently, 40 percent of the motion picture industry revenues come from abroad (Levinson 205). Revenue potential for audiovisual works is jeopardized, however, by trade barriers imposed by foreign countries that desire protection against saturation by American products.
It is clearly in the interest of the United States to obtain prompt and full compliance with international agreement that secure intellectual property rights, most notably the agreement named the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). TRIPS is designed to enhance international protection against piracy and restrictive trade practices.. TRIPS recognizes increased protection for copyrights, trademarks and patents, trade secrets, and rights for performers, phonogram producers and broadcasting organizations. Each signatory to the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT)--the international foundations for TRIPS--agrees to adhere t...