Page:Special 301 Report 1996.pdf/21

  Italy issued a decree law on June 28 extending copyright protection for authors of literary works and films to 70 years. The decree also extends from 40 to 50 years the term of protection for performing artists, radio and television broadcasters, and producers of films and other audio visual works.

Norway adopted amendments to its copyright law to bring it into compliance with the TRIPs Agreement on June 30. 

JULY

 The Japanese Patent Office began to accept patent applications in the English language (with a translation to follow in two months).

India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) launched the first raids since India's new copyright law came into effect in New Delhi on July 7.

The Greek Parliament enacted the Press and Media law on July 18. The law came into effect on August 3. The new law makes copyright compliance a prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining a broadcast license.

The Turkish Parliament approved Turkey's accession to the Paris Act of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.

<li>Taiwan enacted the Integrated Circuit Layout Protection Act on July 13.</li>

<li>Korea's Audio and Video Works Act became effective on July 1 which provides essential non-copyright regulations against unauthorized importation or distribution of recorded music and video.</li>

<li>Cambodia became a member of the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization.</li>

<li>Bolivia implemented on July 26 Andean Pact Decision 344, which should provide improved protection on patents and trademarks.</li> </ul>

AUGUST

<ul style="list-style-type:circle;list-style-image:none;"> <li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became a member of the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.</li> </ul>