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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Less than a week after President Trump issued a <a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/14/presidential-memorandum-united-states-trade-representative" target="_blank" rel="noopener">presidential memorandum</a> directing the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to determine whether to investigate China regarding certain intellectual property and technology transfer issues, USTR Robert Lighthizer formally initiated a Section 301 investigation into the matter on August 18, 2017. In announcing the investigation, he stated that, &ldquo;[a]fter consulting with stakeholders and other government agencies, I have determined that these critical issues merit a thorough investigation.&rdquo; Details of the four areas of investigation and information regarding public comments were provided in a <a href="http://www.thompsonhine.com/uploads/1345/doc/USTR_-_Federal_Register_Notice_-_8-24-17.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Register notice</a>.
Specifically, the public is invited to submit written comments to USTR no later than September 28, 2017 on: (1) the acts, policies and practices of the Chinese government described in the Federal Register notice; (2) information on other acts, policies and practices of China relating to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation as described in the president&rsquo;s memorandum, which might be included in the investigation and/or addressed through other trade avenues; (3) the nature and level of burden or restriction on U.S. commerce caused by the applicable acts, policies and practices of the government of China and/or any economic assessment of that burden or restriction; and (4) whether actionable conduct exists under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and what action, if any, should be taken. A public hearing will be held on October 10, 2017; persons wishing to testify at the hearing must provide written notification of their desire to speak and provide a summary of their proposed testimony by September 28, 2017.

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USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into China’s Acts, Policies and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Innovation