The document discusses a free trade agreement between two countries that removes tariffs on 90% of goods and strengthens intellectual property laws in one country. However, the strengthened IP laws do not include protections for users and have broad, vague definitions of infractions with harsh punishments. Amendments are recommended to include user protections and clarify the language while still protecting authors' rights. A summit on international IP regulation is proposed.

2.  Free market economy; follows public service
tradition within liberal market model of
communication.
 On US Special Watch List for IP various
years; software piracy is particularly
troublesome.
 Many improvements made; among best for
enforcement regionally.

3.  Free trade agreement expected to bolster
both economies, create jobs
 Over US $35B in bilateral trade in 2011
 Pact removes tariffs on 90% of goods,
phases out remainder over time
 Additional requirement: strengthening of
Colombian intellectual property law

4.  Fast-tracked through Congress; minimal
debate
 No language to protect users; focus is on
authors’ rights
 Vague language, broad definitions of
infractions
 Harsh punishments for both one-time
accidental infractions and serial offenses

5.  Article 8, section C forbids duplication, even
temporarily or digitally, without permission
 No exceptions made for creation of
handicap-accessible versions, use by
researchers, personal backups

6.  Article 13 prohibits broadcasting via Internet
without permission
 No exceptions made for educational uses,
parody/commentary, fair use, social media

7.  Balance is needed between authors’ rights
and users’ rights/freedom of expression
 Trade promotion agreement does not
exclude possibility of fair use and other user
protections
 Amendments to the bill are recommended to
include user protections and clarification of
language
 Significant debate is paramount

8.  For consideration: summit on international
intellectual property regulation within trade
promotion agreements
 Representative multistate involvement
 Establishment of guidelines for maintenance of
countries’ cultural norms while protecting
authors’ and users’ IP rights and furthering all
nations’ commercial interests