India Listed on US Trade Representative's Priority Watch List for Intellectual Property Rights

India's Position on the Priority Watch List

India has been designated once more on the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) ‘Priority Watch List’ concerning intellectual property rights. This classification includes five other nations, namely China, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, and Venezuela, as highlighted in a recent report published on Thursday by the USTR. The report assesses the effectiveness of trading partners in safeguarding and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights.

The USTR’s Special 301 Report for 2026 has identified these six countries as facing significant challenges regarding IP protection and enforcement. According to the report, India is noted as one of the most difficult major economies globally in terms of IP rights protection. Being placed on the Priority Watch List signifies that there are notable issues in that country concerning IP protection, enforcement, or market access for US entities relying on IP.

Additionally, there are 19 countries, including the EU, Turkiye, and Pakistan, listed on the watch list. Ambassador Jamieson Greer emphasized, "Utilizing all available enforcement mechanisms to combat unfair trade practices is a primary focus. We have thoroughly examined our trading partners' IP practices and are prepared to take necessary actions to safeguard American innovators and creators worldwide." The Special 301 Report is an annual evaluation conducted by the US regarding the IP protection practices of various countries, assessing over 100 trading partners and identifying those that fall short of US standards for IP rights protection.

Moreover, Vietnam has been designated as the Priority Foreign Country (PFC), marking the first instance in 13 years that any nation has received this classification.