| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC July 22, 2004 Paraguay's Intellectual Property Enforcement Efforts Will Receive U.S. FundingThe United States is pleased to announce that it will provide the Government of Paraguay with $320,000 in assistance to implement intellectual property reforms. The basis for this assistance is a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Paraguay that calls for Paraguay to enhance its intellectual property laws and enforcement capabilities. The U.S. congratulates the Government of Paraguay on the progress that has occurred since signing the MOU. This assistance will give Paraguay the means to make additional improvements. The State Department will fund the grant out of 2004 Congressionally earmarked anti-crime monies. The State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs made the selection based on the important role that Paraguay could play in stopping intellectual property piracy and counterfeiting in the Western Hemisphere. On December 18, 2003, the United States and Paraguay concluded negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Intellectual Property Rights. The focus of the MOU is on legislative, administrative and enforcement-related changes designed to improve the Government of Paraguay’s ability to effectively fight copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, as well as improve its overall intellectual property system. Paraguay’s efforts have been and will continue to be monitored under the U.S. Trade Representative’s “Special 301” authority. The goals agreed to in the MOU, and the financial assistance announced today, will help the Government of Paraguay to meet its international obligations and create a business and cultural climate that benefits its citizens by protecting Paraguayan innovation and creativity and attracting legitimate foreign investment. 2004/810
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