Michael Geist: U.S. Report Says ACTA Deal Gaining Steam

While Industry Minister Jim Prentice and Canadian officials continue to remain mum about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, a report out of the U.S. suggests that there is considerable reason for public concern. Congress Daily (sub req) quotes a high-level official from the USTR as indicating that the talks are gaining steam, with a binding international agreement likely by the end of the year. The USTR official continued by noting that the treaty will focus on international cooperation, enforcement practices, and a legal framework. The article confirms that the USTR comments are consistent with the document leaked last week that has led to front page headlines in Canada.