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 provide the framework for a "notice and takedown" system to combat online copyright piracy. The Copyright Act amendments also strengthened the effectiveness of technological protection measures.

Portugal's new Industrial Property Code entered into force on July 1, 2003.

In Vietnam, a July 1, 2003 circular jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Ministry of Finance on royalties established guidelines for royalty payment regimes and the use of royalty funds for some types of works.

In Vietnam, a July 16, 2003 circular on implementation of the March 13, 2003 decree on advertising stipulated that advertisements adhere to the properties of the trademark as announced or registered with the relevant state management agency.

On July 29, 2003, a new copyright law went into effect in Indonesia. The new law criminalizes violations, increases fines to UD 62,000, and extends prison terms up to seven years for dealers of pirated materials.

Albania became party to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol 1989) on July 30, 2003.

Algeria adopted new laws related to copyrights and neighboring rights, trademarks, patent and integrated circuits in July 2003.

Andorra adopted new laws related to copyrights and neighboring rights, trademarks, patents and integrated circuits in July 2003.

In July 2003, Egypt issued implementing regulations for its June 2002 IPR law covering patents, trademarks, and botanical varieties (but not copyright).

The special IPR section of Italy's administrative and civil courts began working in July 2003.

Jordan passed Copyright Law Amendments in July 2003.

In July 2003, President Lula signed a law that amended the criminal code in Brazil, increasing the minimum penalty for copyright violations (from one to two years' imprisonment). The law also codified procedures to seize and destroy contraband and gave judges authority to dispose of seized goods to ensure they will not be used for commercial purposes.

August

On August 4, 2003, Bolivia ratified the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The Dominican Republic approved legislation to ratify the WIPO Copyright Treaty on August 26, 2003.

Tunisia became party to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) on August 31, 2003.