Quiapo included in ‘notorious’ piracy list

THE Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has tagged Quiapo district in Manila as among the 33 “notorious” Internet and physical piracy “hot spots” requiring intensified anti-piracy efforts.

Results of the Special 301 Review of Notorious Markets released on February 28 noted that “Quiapo is just one example of several locations and neighborhoods, especially in metropolitan Manila, known to deal in counterfeit and pirated goods such as clothing, shoes, watches and handbags.”

By “metropolitan Manila,” the review apparently was referring to Metro Manila, or the Philippines’ National Capital Region, composed of 16 cities and one town.

In a statement, US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said that notorious piracy hot spots like Quiapo “not only hurt American workers and businesses, but are threats to entrepreneurs and industries around the world.”

“The review we are announcing… shines a light on examples of many offending markets, and highlights an opportunity to work together with our trading partners to curb illicit trade and expand legitimate commerce in creative and innovative industries,” Kirk added.

The USTR said that the piracy markets listed in the report included those that have been the subject of enforcement action connected with counterfeiting and piracy as well as those that should be investigated for intellectual property rights (IPR) violations.

Besides Quiapo, the other physical market places cited by the USTR included Bahia Market in Ecuador, China Small Commodities Market in China, Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, Harco Glodok in Indonesia, La Salada in Argentina, Ladies Market in Hong Kong, Luowu Market in China, Nehru Place in India, PC Malls in China, Petrivka Market in Ukraine, Red Zones in Thailand, San Andresitos in Colombia, Savelovskiy Market in Russia, Silk Market in China, Tepito in Mexico and Urdu Bazaars in Pakistan.

Also, the USTR listed down 16 websites operating in Bulgaria, Canada, China, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine and the US that are infringing IPR.

“[T] he United States urges the responsible authorities to intensify efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting in these and similar markets, and to use the information contained in the Notorious Markets List to pursue legal actions where appropriate,” it said. –BEN ARNOLD O. DE VERA REPORTER, Manila Times

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