U.S. Trade Agency Places India and Seven Other Countries on Priority Watch List for Intellectual Property Concerns

Washington, D.C. — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has added India and seven other countries to its Priority Watch List in the annual “Special 301 Report” due to concerns over insufficient protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights.

Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released its 2025 Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.https://t.co/wYD40gTMzd

— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) April 29, 2025

This year’s report, released on April 29, 2025, highlights ongoing challenges in protecting IP, which the USTR argues hinders economic growth and innovation. The countries that have joined India on the Priority Watch List Include China, Russia, and several others across Asia and Europe, reflecting ongoing IP enforcement issues.

Focus on India

India, a major U.S. trading partner, faces criticism for its continued struggles with counterfeit goods, piracy, and weak enforcement of patent rights, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Despite efforts to reform IP laws in recent years, USTR notes that the pace of change has been slow, and enforcement remains inconsistent.

“We remain committed to working with India to address these issues, but the lack of progress in key areas—especially related to patents and trademarks—puts U.S. industries at a significant disadvantage,” said USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai in a statement.

Global Concerns and Other Countries on the List

The USTR’s report also addresses concerns about weak IP enforcement and insufficient legal frameworks in several other countries. The list includes a mix of nations, with some showing little progress in addressing longstanding IP challenges. The USTR specifically raised concerns about:

Russia for its persistent issues with counterfeit goods and inadequate IP enforcement.

China, which remains on the Priority Watch List for its failure to fully implement IP reforms under the Phase 1 trade deal signed in 2020.

Mexico, which continues to face challenges in protecting intellectual property for both local and international entities.

Implications for U.S. Trade

The U.S. trade agency’s annual IP review is a critical tool in assessing and enforcing international agreements related to intellectual property protection. Countries on the Priority Watch List are subject to heightened scrutiny, and the USTR has the authority to take trade actions, including imposing tariffs or other retaliatory measures.

“This is a clear signal that the U.S. will not tolerate weak IP protections, especially as global industries, particularly tech and pharmaceuticals, rely on strong and predictable IP enforcement to drive innovation,” added Ambassador Tai.

Next Steps

Countries on the Priority Watch List are urged to address these IP concerns with measurable progress. The USTR has committed to continued engagement with these nations to work towards resolving IP disputes through diplomatic channels or, if necessary, through formal trade remedies.

As global IP concerns grow, the U.S. is likely to push for stronger enforcement mechanisms in future trade negotiations, particularly in regions with significant barriers to IP protection.