The United States Trade Representative began Section 301 investigations on major trading partners, including India, China and the European Union, over trade practices.
The Special 301 Report is published annually by the United States Trade Representative under the Trade Act of 1974.
It identifies countries that do not provide adequate protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
The report also assesses fair market access for United States intellectual property holders.
Countries are classified as Priority Foreign Country, Priority Watch List, and Watch List.