The US Embassy in Bahrain announced that Bahrain is to be removed from the 301 Watch List of Countries. This is regarded as a certificate of Bahrain's complete commitment to protecting intellectual property and to carrying out its long-term strategy to create a modern, open economy. This achievement is the direct result of years of cooperation between the government of Bahrain and the USA.
The Watch List Report tests the extent of efficacy and commitment to intellectual property protection around the world. The 1999 Report confirms the progress which Bahrain achieved in the last 18 months. Also, the report recommends that Bahrain be taken as an example for the area.
Bahrain eliminated piracy of audiovisual tapes, phonograms and computer software through awareness programs for the people to use genuine software. Moreover, Bahrain has taken steps to amend its intellectual property laws to cope with Bahrain's international commitments.
The Bahrain Ministry of Information has reduced the piracy of video tapes and phonograms to a noticeable extent and exerted substantial efforts in seizing pirated computer software. The Ministry's strategy of intellectual property awareness spreading and inspection and seizure campaigns proved to be a success. Likewise, the efforts of the Ministry are praiseworthy in protecting trademarks and patents.
Bahrain's commitment of intellectual property protection makes it both eligible to be removed off the 301 Watch List and to create an investment climate to attract foreign investments. Likewise, through protecting intellectual property, Bahrain can create a suitable environment to attract companies specialized in producing and offering advanced technological services.
The US Government reiterated commendation of Bahrain's achievement in the field of intellectual property protection and expressed its confidence that Bahrain will continue its success in the coming years.