United States Trade Representative keeps Pakistan on watch list over intellectual property
Pakistan remains on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Watch List in 2025 due to limited progress in intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. While the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) launched a five-year national strategy and some enforcement actions were undertaken by PEMRA, the Competition Commission, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Customs, these efforts haven’t resulted in significant improvements. Counterfeiting and piracy remain widespread across various sectors, and Pakistan is reportedly playing a major role in the regional distribution of counterfeit goods.
The establishment of IP tribunals is a positive development, but concerns exist regarding inconsistent rulings, nominal fines, lack of judicial expertise, confusion over review standards, and case backlogs due to resource limitations and high turnover. Furthermore, judicial bodies have limited jurisdiction over criminal IP complaints. Trademark enforcement is challenging due to the lack of ex officio authority for criminal enforcement. Pakistan also lacks effective protection against unfair commercial use and unauthorized disclosure of pharmaceutical test data.
The United States urges Pakistan to focus on deterrent penalties, judicial consistency and efficiency, and to strengthen the IPO’s coordination and resources. Bilateral engagement through TIFA meetings and aligning IP laws with international best practices are encouraged. The U.S. also welcomes Pakistan’s interest in joining international IP treaties and encourages a transparent process for IP law amendments.
