On December 23, 2019, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register a request for comments and notice of a public hearing [Docket No. USTR-2019-0023] regarding the 2020 Special 301 Review. Each year, the USTR conducts a Special 301 review to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights or deny fair and equitable market access to US persons who rely on IP protection. Based on this review, the USTR determines which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. USTR requests written comments that identify acts, policies, or practices that may form the basis of a country’s identification as a Priority Foreign Country or placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List. USTR also requests notices of intent to appear at the public hearing.
- Dates: February 6, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST: Deadline for submission of written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear at the hearing from the public.
- February 20, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST: Deadline for submission of written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear at the hearing from foreign governments.
- February 26, 2020: The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a public hearing at the Office of the United State Trade Representative, 1724 F Street NW, Rooms 1&2, Washington DC. If necessary, the hearing may continue on the next business day. Those who intend to testify at the public hearing must submit a notice of intent to appear by the deadlines stated above. Please consult the USTR website at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/intellectual-property/Special-301, for confirmation of the date and location and the schedule of witnesses.
- March 5, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST: Deadline for submission of post-hearing written comments from persons who testified at the public hearing.
On or about April 30, 2020: USTR will publish the 2020 Special 301 Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report
