Countries to Release Anti-Piracy Text as Deal Nears

(Doug Palmer — Reuters via Washington Post)

Countries negotiating a deal to curb trade in fake and pirated goods are close to reaching an agreement in talks that have raised concerns among digital rights advocates, U.S. trade officials said on Friday.

“The agreement can be concluded soon if other participants make it a priority to achieve such progress now,” Nefeterius McPherson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, said in a statement.

Digital rights advocates have feared the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement could allow customs agents to confiscate laptop and music devices if they contain illegal downloads, while other groups have worried it could restrict trade in low-price generic drugs. Read more here.