论2016年“特别301条款”的修订及其影响

Analysis of the Amendment of Special 301 in 2016 and Its Influence

自1988年设立以来,"特别301条款"即成为了美国维护海外市场知识产权保护的强大武器,是美国贸易伙伴们重点研究的对象。2016年2月,美国时任总统奥巴马签署通过了对"特别301条款"的修订法案,将"商业秘密"的立法保护纳入审查范围,又引入"重点观察名单"等制度,其程序上发生了一定的改变。此次修改强化了该条款的威慑作用,也通过设置替代程序的方式弱化了其实际使用的作用,体现了立法者对该条款的实施愈加谨慎的态度。

Since its establishment in 1988,the Special 301 has become a big stick to protect American intellectual property in overseas markets,and as a result is the priority focus of research by American trade partners. In February 2016,President Obama signed the amendment of the Special 301. The amendment brings the＂trade secrets＂legislation protection into the scope of investigation and sets up the＂priority watch list＂system,which makes a change on the legal procedure. The amendment reinforces the deterrent effect of the provision and weakens its actual use by setting up an alternative system. It shows that legislators are becoming more cautious about the section.