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 to modernize its legal regime for all forms of intellectual property represent an important step forward. Effective implementation and enforcement of new laws and regulations will be critical for reducing the pervasive piracy that now exists.

2000

May

 Croatia passed legislation to ratify the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.

Estonia became a party to the Geneva Phonograms Convention, effective May 28th.

Russia's "Rules for Recognizing a Trademark as a Well-Known Trademark in the Russian Federation" was registered with its Ministry of Justice.

Nicaragua became a party to the Geneva Phonograms Convention. 

June

 China's State Council issued Document No. 18 on June 27, which makes clear that no entity (public or private) may make unauthorized use of software.

On June 14, Georgia became a Member of the WTO and obligated itself on that date to fully comply with the TRIPS Agreement.

<li>Poland amended its Copyright Law to provide copyright protection for pre-1974 sound recordings.</li>

<li>On June 16, Hong Kong published proposed amendments to its Trademarks Ordinance. The new law should provide enhanced protection for well-known trademarks.</li>

<li>Nicaragua joins the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.</li> </ul>

July

<ul> <li>The United States and Vietnam signed a landmark bilateral trade agreement, which included provisions on comprehensive intellectual property protection.</li>

<li>Korea implemented a revised copyright law.</li> </ul>