Special 301
Special 301 is an annual report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) which places countries on a “watch list” if USTR would like to see greater changes in their intellectual property rules or enforcement practice. The USTR articulates in past Special 301 Reports that “the United States respects a trading partner’s right to protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to medicines for all,” and “the United States respects its trading partners’ rights to grant compulsory licenses in a manner consistent with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement.” However, in these same reports, USTR has frequently criticized countries for exercising public health rights and other flexibilities enshrined in the TRIPS Agreement and Doha Declaration. Every year the USTR hears public comments on the Special 301 review. Below is a collection of Public Citizen’s Special 301 submissions and commentary.
2025
- Memo: Trump Administration’s New Big Pharma Hit List Raises Concerns About “Reciprocal Tariffs” Talks
- Public Citizen Hearing Testimony for the 2025 Special 301 Review
- Public Citizen Post-hearing Comment for the 2025 Special 301 Review
- Public Citizen Comment for the 2025 Special 301 Review
2024
- Public Citizen Comment for the 2024 Special 301 Review
- Public Citizen Post-hearing Comment for the 2024 Special 301 Review
- Related resources:
2021
2020
2019
2018
- Memo: U.S. Gov’t “Watch List” Threatens Access to Meds
- Public Citizen Comments for the 2018 Special 301 Review
- Public Citizen Hearing Statement for the 2018 Special 301 Review
2017
2016
2015
- Public Citizen Hearing Testimony for the 2015 Special 301 Review
- Related resources:
2014
- Public Citizen Comment for the 2014 Special 301 Review
- Public Citizen Statement and Hearing Testimony for the 2014 Special 301 Review