UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000096

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG, EEB/TPP/IPE/URBANJ
STATE PASS FOR USTR WEISELB, EIHLERSK, BAER
DOJ PASS FOR ZACHARIAJ
DOL PASS FOR PETTISM
DHS PASS FOR MDUDEK
DOC PASS FOR AWILSON
NSC PASS FOR DBELL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KIPR ECON ETRD BX
SUBJECT: BRUNEI CONCERNED BUT NOT SURPRISED BY 2009 SPECIAL
301 REPORT

REF: A. A) SECSTATE 41846

B. B) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 95


1. (SBU) Per Reftel A, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM)
McIntyre delivered demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (MFAT) Permanent Secretary Dato Lim Jock Hoi and
Vincent Kong, Director, Trade Division regarding the results
of the Special 301 review for Brunei. (NOTE: DCM was
required to deliver demarche on April 28th as the appropriate
MFAT officials were not available for in person discussions
on April 29th or April 30th. Dato Lim assured DCM that
results of Special 301 process will not be discussed publicly
until after report is released. End Note.) Dato Lim
expressed the Government of Brunei's (GoB) concern over
Brunei's change in status to Watch List but acknowledged the
serious nature of disc piracy in Brunei. He noted that there
has been some recent progress in discussions with rights
holders (Reftel B). Dato Lim stated that the Government of
Brunei wants to met the requirements of international
intellectual property rights (IPR). He further noted that the
cooperation and technical assistance received from the US
government is critical to improving IPR enforcement. Dato
Lim stated MFAT was pleased with recent efforts by Ambassador
Todd and the US Embassy to publicize IPR issues and that the
Government of Brunei supports this outreach to increase
public awareness. He did note that the GoB objects and has
seen no proof to allegations that Brunei is exporting pirated
goods to neighboring countries. DCM stressed the need for
more outreach and cooperation with rights holders, increased
efforts to re-introduce legitimate music and film products
into Brunei's marketplace, and more comprehensive IPR
legislation. Dato Lim stated he believes progress can and
will be made over the next six months to one year. He
concluded by saying the USG and US Embassy can play a key
role in assisting Brunei to met the requirements for removal
from the Special 301 Watch List.

TODD