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 On March 27, the UAE made written commitments to provide comprehensive protection for U.S. pharmaceuticals including extending data exclusivity protection, providing joint review by Heath-Finance Ministry officials, and allowing USG review of draft patent law for TRIPS compliance.

Japan announced that it will interpret temporary copying as violating copyright laws. 

April

 Israel formally introduced legislation in the Knesset that would increase criminal penalties for copyright violations.

Qatar's Copyright Office began a new public information campaign, which will include the distribution of posters and other handouts, to coincide with World IP Day.

Costa Rica's National Registry will inaugurate its center for arbitration and reconciliation on IPR issues. The center will offer free reconciliation and low cost arbitration services for IPR disputes. All Internet domain names registered in Costa Rica will contain a clause naming the center as the official arbitrator for domain name disputes.

Poland reinstated data exclusivity protection.

<li>Slovenia reinstated data exclusivity protection.</li>

<li>On April 15, Brazil's Receita Federal initiated the destruction of almost 680 tons of smuggled, counterfeit and pirated goods.</li> </ul>

WIPO Copyright Treaty and Performance and Phonograms Treaty

The following countries deposited their instruments of accession to the WorId Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright and Perfonnances and Phonograms Treaties (WCT and WPPT) during the May 2001 - April 2002 time frame:

Albania (deposited WPPT only) Czech Republic Gabon Georgia Guinea (deposited WCT, WPPT deposited previously)