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  and regulations implementing the Intellectual Property Code in relation to the country's TRIPS requirements. 

November

 On November 3, Israel's Amendments to the Copyright Ordinance became effective, strengthening criminal liability for copyright infringement with increased prison sentences and penalties, vicarious liability for officers of companies committing offenses, and improved presumptions of proof with respect to the elements of proof.

On November 7, Kazakhstan became party to the Trademark Law Treaty.

Morocco's Ministry of Health's Office of Medicines and Pharmaceuticals sent the Secretariat General a new pharmaceuticals code that would eliminate investment and IPR obstacles in the sector. The next step is approval by the Government Council, and the code is expected to be implemented in 2003.

New Zealand's Trade Marks Act 2002 was approved by Parliament and made specific trademark infringements criminal offenses punishable by up to five years imprisonment. This act also amended the Copyright Act 1994 by increasing the maximum penalty for specific copyright infringements from three months to five years imprisonment.

Russia passed amendments to its Trademark Law. </ul>

December

<ul> <li>On December 14, Armenia's amendments to its copyright law entered into force, extending copyright protection for pre-existing works, providing national treatment and stiffening criminal penalties.</li>

<li>On December 10, thirteen Thai government agencies signed on to an interagency MOD to enhance IPR coordination.</li>

<li>On December 17, the Brazilian Congress passed Law 10,603 in an effort to comply with data exclusivity obligations under TRIPS.</li>

<li>On December 19, Nigeria deposited its instruments of ratification to the Patent Law Treaty.</li>

<li>On December 3, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved legislation which reforms the Federal Law Against Organized Crime. If passed by the Senate, copyright infringement would become a crime punishable under this organized crime legislation. Thus, if organized crime elements in piratical behavior is proved, copyright pirates could face 20-40 </li> </ul> May 1, 2003