Indonesia is 1 of 9 Countries Recommended to the USTR for its Priority Watch List

On January 30, 2024, the International Intellectual Property Alliance (“IIPA”) filed its 2024 Special 301 submission with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) and recommended 9 countries on the Priority Watch List and 14 countries/territory on the Watch List.

Formed in 1984, IIPA is a private sector coalition of trade associations representing U.S. copyright-based industries working to improve copyright protection and enforcement abroad and to open foreign markets closed by piracy and other market access barriers. IIPA members include the Association of American Publishers, the Entertainment Software Association, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the Motion Picture Association, and the Recording Industry Association of America. Collectively, IIPA represents 3,200 U.S. companies that produce and distribute copyright-based content, including video games, films and television programs, music, books, journals, databases, and software in all formats.

In its report, IIPA opined that Indonesia is an important market for the growth of the creative industry. Previously, the Indonesian government has made some positive changes to its Copyright Law and enforcement system, thereby making real progress in liberalizing the investment framework in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian government made recent changes by maintaining quotas and restrictions on imported films. Such changes will weaken copyright protection and disrupt longstanding commercial arrangements. IIPA is also concerned about Indonesia’s move in imposing import duties on electronic transmissions. One general recommendation made by IIPA is to review and revise the country's Copyright law such that it can be more in line with international commitments and best practices.

After considering IIPA recommendations, reports from other associations, and conducting public hearings, the USTR will release its 2024 Special 301 Report on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement on or about April 2024. (BDP/JPK-su)