2014 Special 301 Review: Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment and Announcement of Public Hearing, 420-422 [2013-31487]

Download as PDF 420 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 2 / Friday, January 3, 2014 / Notices protection by making available, via BrokerCheck, information regarding the professional background, business practices, and conduct of firms and associated persons that were members solely of a national securities exchange. Making this information available via BrokerCheck harmonizes the disclosure across the securities industry. The information is relevant to investors and members of the public who wish to educate themselves with respect to a firm or the professional history of a current or formerly associated person of a CRD Exchange. Further, the public’s ability to access information regarding a firm or current or former associated person, whether the individual is or was associated with FINRA or with any national securities exchange that uses CRD for registration purposes, may serve to protect investors, the integrity of the marketplace, and the public interest. The Commission urges the public to utilize BrokerCheck as well as all other sources of information, particularly the databases of the state regulators, as well as legal search engines, and records searches, to conduct a thorough search of a firm or any associated person’s activities. Furthermore, the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(i)(1) of the Act,16 which require, among other things, that FINRA maintain a toll-free telephone listing and a readily accessible electronic or other process to receive and promptly respond to inquiries regarding registration information on CRD Exchange members and their associated persons. The proposed amendments require FINRA to release information through BrokerCheck about CRD Exchange members and their associated persons,17 harmonizing the information available about broker-dealers and their associated persons across the industry. Finally, the Commission reiterates the need for FINRA to continuously strive to improve BrokerCheck to enhance its value as a tool for the public to use in deciding whether to work with a firm or a particular associated person.18 The suggestions for enhancement made by the commenter while outside the scope of this proposal should be considered. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES IV. Conclusion proposed rule change (SR–FINRA– 2013–047), be, and hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.20 Lynn M. Powalski, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–31420 Filed 1–2–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #13839 and #13840] Texas Disaster #TX–00418 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Jan 02, 2014 Jkt 232001 2.625 The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 138396 and or economic injury is 138406. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) James E. Rivera, Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. [FR Doc. 2013–31504 Filed 1–2–14; 8:45 am] This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Texas (FEMA–4159–DR), dated 12/20/2013. Incident: Severe Storms and Flooding. Incident Period: 10/30/2013 through 10/31/2013. Effective Date: 12/20/2013. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 02/18/2014. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 09/22/2014. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President’s major disaster declaration on 12/20/2013, Private Non-Profit organizations that provide essential services of governmental nature may file disaster loan applications at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE BILLING CODE 8025–01–P SUMMARY: Primary Counties: Caldwell, Hays, Travis. The Interest Rates are: Percent U.S.C. 78o–3(i)(1). 17 See Section 15A(i) of the Act. 18 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 59916 (May 13, 2009), 74 FR 23750 (May 20, 2009) and 62476 (July 8, 2010), 75 FR 41254 (July 15, 2010). 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). For Economic Injury: Non-Profit Organizations Without Credit Available Elsewhere .......................... U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,19 that the 16 15 Percent For Physical Damage: Non-Profit Organizations With Credit Available Elsewhere Non-Profit Organizations Without Credit Available Elsewhere .......................... 20 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2.625 2.625 2014 Special 301 Review: Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment and Announcement of Public Hearing Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Request for written submissions from the public and announcement of public hearing. AGENCY: Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242) requires the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. The provisions of Section 182 are commonly referred to as the ‘‘Special 301’’ provisions of the Trade Act. The Trade Act requires the Trade Representative to determine which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies, or practices that are the basis of a country’s identification as a Priority Foreign Country can be subject to the procedures set out in sections 301–305 of the Trade Act. In addition, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has created a ‘‘Priority Watch List’’ and ‘‘Watch List’’ to assist the Administration in pursuing the goals of the Special 301 provisions. Placement of a trading partner on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Trading partners SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 2 / Friday, January 3, 2014 / Notices placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas. USTR chairs the Special 301 Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (Subcommittee). The Subcommittee reviews information from many sources, and consults with and makes recommendations to the Trade Representative on issues arising under Special 301. Written submissions from interested persons are a key source of information for the Special 301 review process. In 2014, USTR again will conduct a public hearing as part of the review process as well as offer the opportunity, as described below, for hearing participants to provide additional information relevant to the review. At the conclusion of the process, USTR will publish the results of the review in a ‘‘Special 301’’ Report. USTR is hereby requesting written submissions from the public concerning foreign countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. USTR requests that interested parties provide the information described below in the ‘‘Public Comments’’ section, and identify whether a particular trading partner should be named as a Priority Foreign Country under Section 182 of the Trade Act or placed on the Priority Watch List or Watch List. Foreign governments that have been identified in previous Special 301 Reports or that are nominated for review in 2014 are considered interested parties, and are invited to respond to this request for public submissions. Interested parties, including foreign governments, wishing to submit information to be considered during the review or testify at the public hearing must adhere to the procedures and deadlines set forth below. Dates/Deadlines: The schedule and deadlines for the 2014 Special 301 review are as follows: Friday, February 7, 2014—Deadline for interested parties, except foreign governments, to submit written comments, notice of intent to testify at the Special 301 Public Hearing, and hearing statements. Friday, February 14, 2014—Deadline for foreign governments to submit written comments, notice of intent to testify at the Special 301 Public Hearing, and, although not mandatory, any prepared hearing statements. Monday, February 24, 2014—Public Hearing—The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a Public Hearing for interested parties, including representatives of foreign governments, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Jan 02, 2014 Jkt 232001 at the offices of USTR, 1724 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20508. No later than Wednesday, February 19, 2014, USTR will confirm the date and location of the hearing and provide the schedule at https://www.ustr.gov. Friday, March 7, 2014—Deadline for submitting post-hearing written comments. Interested parties may provide written comments after the hearing. To ensure consideration, comments must be received no later than Friday, March 7, 2014. Please submit additional written comments electronically via https:// www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR–2013–0040. On or about April 30, 2014—USTR will publish the 2014 Special 301 Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. Procedures/Addresses: All written comments, notices of intent to testify at the public hearing, hearing statements and post-hearing written responses must be in English and submitted electronically via https:// www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR–2013–0040. Please specify ‘‘2014 Special 301 Review’’ in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field on https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan F. Wilson, Director for Intellectual Property and Innovation, Office of the United States Trade Representative, at Special301@ ustr.eop.gov. Information on the Special 301 annual review is also available at https://www.ustr.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background USTR requests that interested persons identify through the process outlined in this notice those countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. Section 182 further requires the Trade Representative, to identify any act, policy or practice of Canada that affects cultural industries, is adopted or expanded after December 17, 1992, and is actionable under Article 2106 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The public is invited to submit views relevant to this aspect of the review. Section 182 requires the Trade Representative to identify all such acts, policies or practices within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. In accordance with this statutory requirement, USTR PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 421 will publish the annual Special 301 Report on or about April 30, 2014. 2. Comments From the Public a. Requirements for Written Comments To facilitate the review, written comments should be as detailed as possible and provide all necessary information for identifying and assessing the effect of the acts, policies, and practices. USTR requests that interested parties provide specific references to laws, regulations, policy statements, executive, presidential or other orders, administrative, court or other determinations that should factor in the review. USTR also requests that, where relevant, submissions mention particular regions, provinces, states, or other subdivisions of a country in which an act, policy, or practice is believed to warrant special attention. Finally, submissions proposing countries for review should include data, loss estimates, and other information regarding the economic impact on the United States, U.S. industry and the U.S. workforce caused by the denial of adequate and effective intellectual property protection. Comments that include quantitative loss claims should be accompanied by the methodology used in calculating such estimated losses. b. Filing Instructions Comments must be in English. All comments should be sent electronically via https://www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR–2013–0040. To submit comments to https:// www.regulations.gov, locate the docket (folder) by entering the number USTR– 2013–0040 in the ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID’’ window at the https:// www.regulations.gov home page and click ‘‘Search.’’ The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Locate the reference to this notice by selecting ‘‘Notice’’ under ‘‘Document Type’’ on the left side of the search-results page, and click on the link entitled ‘‘Comment Now!’’. The https://www.regulations.gov site provides the option of submitting comments by filling in a ‘‘Type comment’’ field, or by attaching a document. USTR requests that comments be provided in an attached document. If a document is attached, please type ‘‘2014 Special 301 Review’’ in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. Please submit documents prepared in (or compatible with) Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats. If the submission was prepared in a compatible format, please indicate the E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 422 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 2 / Friday, January 3, 2014 / Notices name of the relevant application in the ‘‘Type comment’’ field. For further information on using the https:// www.regulations.gov Web site, please select ‘‘How to use Regulations.gov’’ on the bottom of any page. 3. Public Hearing a. Notice of Public Hearing The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a hearing at the offices of USTR, 1724 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20508 for interested parties, including representatives of foreign governments, on February 24, 2014. The hearing will be open to the public. Please consult https://www.ustr.gov to confirm the date and location of the hearing, and to obtain copies of the hearing schedule and transcript of the event. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES b. Submission of Notice of Intent To Testify and Hearing Statements Prepared oral testimony before the Special 301 Subcommittee must be delivered in person, in English, and will be limited to five minutes. Subcommitte member agencies may ask questions following the prepared statement. Interested parties, except foreign governments, wishing to testify at the hearing must submit a ‘‘Notice of Intent to Testify’’ and ‘‘Hearing Statement’’ to https://www.regulations.gov (following the procedures set forth in ‘‘Filing Instructions’’ above). The filing deadline is Friday, February 7, 2014. The Notice of Intent to Testify must include the name of the witness, name of the organization (if applicable), address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. A Hearing Statement must accompany the Notice of Intent to Testify. There is no requirement regarding the length of the Hearing Statement; however, the content of the testimony must be relevant to the Special 301 review. All interested foreign governments that wish to testify at the hearing must submit a ‘‘Notice of Intent to Testify’’ to https://www.regulations.gov (following the procedures set forth in ‘‘Filing Instructions’’ above). The Notice of Intent to Testify must be filed by Friday, February 14, 2014, and include the name of the witness, name of the organization (if applicable), address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. Although not mandatory, government witnesses may submit a Hearing Statement when filing the Notice of Intent to Testify. business information must certify that such information is business confidential and would not customarily be released to the public by the submitter. The filenames of both documents should reflect their status— ‘‘BCI’’ for the business confidential version and ‘‘PUBLIC’’ for the public version. In the document, confidential business information must be clearly designated as such, the submission must be marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page, and the submission should indicate, via brackets, the specific information that is confidential. Additionally, the submitter should write ‘‘Business Confidential’’ in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. Anyone submitting a comment containing business confidential information must also submit, as a separate submission, a nonbusiness confidential version of the submission, indicating where the business confidential information has been redacted. The non-business confidential version will be placed in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov and be available for public inspection. 5. Inspection of Comments USTR will maintain a publicly accessible docket for the 2014 Special 301 Review. This public file will include all non-business confidential comments, notices of intent to testify, and hearing statements that USTR receives from the public, including foreign governments, in conjunction with the 2014 Special 301 Review. Comments will be placed in the docket upon receipt and be open to public inspection pursuant to 15 CFR 2006.13. Comments containing confidential business information are exempt from public inspection in accordance with 15 CFR 2006.15. However, USTR will require submission of non-business confidential versions of such documents, as described above, and will post non-business confidential versions to the public docket. Comments may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov by entering docket number USTR–2013– 0040 in the search field on the home page. Susan F. Wilson, Director for Intellectual Property and Innovation. [FR Doc. 2013–31487 Filed 1–2–14; 8:45 am] 4. Business Confidential Information BILLING CODE 3290–F4–P A person requesting that information contained in a comment submitted by that person be treated as confidential VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Jan 02, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2013 0153] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel NORTHWIND; Invitation for Public Comments Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. DATES: Submit comments on or before February 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2013–0153. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Williams, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W23–453, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 366–0903, Email Linda.Williams@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel NORTHWIND is: Intended Commercial Use Of Vessel: ‘‘Sailing charters with captain and crew in the San Juan islands of Washington state.’’ Geographic Region: ‘‘Washington’’ The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD–2013–0153 at https://www.regulations.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1

Agencies

Office of the United States Trade Representative

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 420-422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31487]


=======================================================================
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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


2014 Special 301 Review: Identification of Countries Under 
Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment and 
Announcement of Public Hearing

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Request for written submissions from the public and 
announcement of public hearing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 
2242) requires the United States Trade Representative (Trade 
Representative) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective 
protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and 
equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual 
property protection. The provisions of Section 182 are commonly 
referred to as the ``Special 301'' provisions of the Trade Act. The 
Trade Act requires the Trade Representative to determine which, if any, 
of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, 
policies, or practices that are the basis of a country's identification 
as a Priority Foreign Country can be subject to the procedures set out 
in sections 301-305 of the Trade Act.
    In addition, the Office of the United States Trade Representative 
(USTR) has created a ``Priority Watch List'' and ``Watch List'' to 
assist the Administration in pursuing the goals of the Special 301 
provisions. Placement of a trading partner on the Priority Watch List 
or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country 
with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for 
persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Trading partners

[[Page 421]]

placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral 
attention concerning the problem areas.
    USTR chairs the Special 301 Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff 
Committee (Subcommittee). The Subcommittee reviews information from 
many sources, and consults with and makes recommendations to the Trade 
Representative on issues arising under Special 301. Written submissions 
from interested persons are a key source of information for the Special 
301 review process. In 2014, USTR again will conduct a public hearing 
as part of the review process as well as offer the opportunity, as 
described below, for hearing participants to provide additional 
information relevant to the review. At the conclusion of the process, 
USTR will publish the results of the review in a ``Special 301'' 
Report.
    USTR is hereby requesting written submissions from the public 
concerning foreign countries that deny adequate and effective 
protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable 
market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property 
protection. USTR requests that interested parties provide the 
information described below in the ``Public Comments'' section, and 
identify whether a particular trading partner should be named as a 
Priority Foreign Country under Section 182 of the Trade Act or placed 
on the Priority Watch List or Watch List. Foreign governments that have 
been identified in previous Special 301 Reports or that are nominated 
for review in 2014 are considered interested parties, and are invited 
to respond to this request for public submissions. Interested parties, 
including foreign governments, wishing to submit information to be 
considered during the review or testify at the public hearing must 
adhere to the procedures and deadlines set forth below.
    Dates/Deadlines: The schedule and deadlines for the 2014 Special 
301 review are as follows:
    Friday, February 7, 2014--Deadline for interested parties, except 
foreign governments, to submit written comments, notice of intent to 
testify at the Special 301 Public Hearing, and hearing statements.
    Friday, February 14, 2014--Deadline for foreign governments to 
submit written comments, notice of intent to testify at the Special 301 
Public Hearing, and, although not mandatory, any prepared hearing 
statements.
    Monday, February 24, 2014--Public Hearing--The Special 301 
Subcommittee will hold a Public Hearing for interested parties, 
including representatives of foreign governments, at the offices of 
USTR, 1724 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20508. No later than Wednesday, 
February 19, 2014, USTR will confirm the date and location of the 
hearing and provide the schedule at https://www.ustr.gov.
    Friday, March 7, 2014--Deadline for submitting post-hearing written 
comments. Interested parties may provide written comments after the 
hearing. To ensure consideration, comments must be received no later 
than Friday, March 7, 2014. Please submit additional written comments 
electronically via https://www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR-2013-
0040.
    On or about April 30, 2014--USTR will publish the 2014 Special 301 
Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate 
(NTE) Report.
    Procedures/Addresses: All written comments, notices of intent to 
testify at the public hearing, hearing statements and post-hearing 
written responses must be in English and submitted electronically via 
https://www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR-2013-0040. Please 
specify ``2014 Special 301 Review'' in the ``Type Comment'' field on 
https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan F. Wilson, Director for 
Intellectual Property and Innovation, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative, at Special301@ustr.eop.gov. Information on the Special 
301 annual review is also available at https://www.ustr.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    USTR requests that interested persons identify through the process 
outlined in this notice those countries that deny adequate and 
effective protection for intellectual property rights or deny fair and 
equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual 
property protection.
    Section 182 further requires the Trade Representative, to identify 
any act, policy or practice of Canada that affects cultural industries, 
is adopted or expanded after December 17, 1992, and is actionable under 
Article 2106 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The 
public is invited to submit views relevant to this aspect of the 
review.
    Section 182 requires the Trade Representative to identify all such 
acts, policies or practices within 30 days of the publication of the 
National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. In accordance with this statutory 
requirement, USTR will publish the annual Special 301 Report on or 
about April 30, 2014.

2. Comments From the Public

a. Requirements for Written Comments

    To facilitate the review, written comments should be as detailed as 
possible and provide all necessary information for identifying and 
assessing the effect of the acts, policies, and practices. USTR 
requests that interested parties provide specific references to laws, 
regulations, policy statements, executive, presidential or other 
orders, administrative, court or other determinations that should 
factor in the review. USTR also requests that, where relevant, 
submissions mention particular regions, provinces, states, or other 
subdivisions of a country in which an act, policy, or practice is 
believed to warrant special attention. Finally, submissions proposing 
countries for review should include data, loss estimates, and other 
information regarding the economic impact on the United States, U.S. 
industry and the U.S. workforce caused by the denial of adequate and 
effective intellectual property protection. Comments that include 
quantitative loss claims should be accompanied by the methodology used 
in calculating such estimated losses.

b. Filing Instructions

    Comments must be in English. All comments should be sent 
electronically via https://www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR-2013-
0040. To submit comments to https://www.regulations.gov, locate the 
docket (folder) by entering the number USTR-2013-0040 in the ``Enter 
Keyword or ID'' window at the https://www.regulations.gov home page and 
click ``Search.'' The site will provide a search-results page listing 
all documents associated with this docket. Locate the reference to this 
notice by selecting ``Notice'' under ``Document Type'' on the left side 
of the search-results page, and click on the link entitled ``Comment 
Now!''.
    The https://www.regulations.gov site provides the option of 
submitting comments by filling in a ``Type comment'' field, or by 
attaching a document. USTR requests that comments be provided in an 
attached document. If a document is attached, please type ``2014 
Special 301 Review'' in the ``Type Comment'' field. Please submit 
documents prepared in (or compatible with) Microsoft Word (.doc) or 
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats. If the submission was prepared in a 
compatible format, please indicate the

[[Page 422]]

name of the relevant application in the ``Type comment'' field. For 
further information on using the https://www.regulations.gov Web site, 
please select ``How to use Regulations.gov'' on the bottom of any page.

3. Public Hearing

a. Notice of Public Hearing

    The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a hearing at the offices of 
USTR, 1724 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20508 for interested parties, 
including representatives of foreign governments, on February 24, 2014. 
The hearing will be open to the public. Please consult https://www.ustr.gov to confirm the date and location of the hearing, and to 
obtain copies of the hearing schedule and transcript of the event.

b. Submission of Notice of Intent To Testify and Hearing Statements

    Prepared oral testimony before the Special 301 Subcommittee must be 
delivered in person, in English, and will be limited to five minutes. 
Subcommitte member agencies may ask questions following the prepared 
statement.
    Interested parties, except foreign governments, wishing to testify 
at the hearing must submit a ``Notice of Intent to Testify'' and 
``Hearing Statement'' to https://www.regulations.gov (following the 
procedures set forth in ``Filing Instructions'' above). The filing 
deadline is Friday, February 7, 2014. The Notice of Intent to Testify 
must include the name of the witness, name of the organization (if 
applicable), address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. 
A Hearing Statement must accompany the Notice of Intent to Testify. 
There is no requirement regarding the length of the Hearing Statement; 
however, the content of the testimony must be relevant to the Special 
301 review.
    All interested foreign governments that wish to testify at the 
hearing must submit a ``Notice of Intent to Testify'' to https://www.regulations.gov (following the procedures set forth in ``Filing 
Instructions'' above). The Notice of Intent to Testify must be filed by 
Friday, February 14, 2014, and include the name of the witness, name of 
the organization (if applicable), address, telephone number, fax 
number, and email address. Although not mandatory, government witnesses 
may submit a Hearing Statement when filing the Notice of Intent to 
Testify.

4. Business Confidential Information

    A person requesting that information contained in a comment 
submitted by that person be treated as confidential business 
information must certify that such information is business confidential 
and would not customarily be released to the public by the submitter. 
The filenames of both documents should reflect their status--``BCI'' 
for the business confidential version and ``PUBLIC'' for the public 
version. In the document, confidential business information must be 
clearly designated as such, the submission must be marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' at the top and bottom of the cover page and each 
succeeding page, and the submission should indicate, via brackets, the 
specific information that is confidential. Additionally, the submitter 
should write ``Business Confidential'' in the ``Type Comment'' field. 
Anyone submitting a comment containing business confidential 
information must also submit, as a separate submission, a non-business 
confidential version of the submission, indicating where the business 
confidential information has been redacted. The non-business 
confidential version will be placed in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov and be available for public inspection.

5. Inspection of Comments

    USTR will maintain a publicly accessible docket for the 2014 
Special 301 Review. This public file will include all non-business 
confidential comments, notices of intent to testify, and hearing 
statements that USTR receives from the public, including foreign 
governments, in conjunction with the 2014 Special 301 Review. Comments 
will be placed in the docket upon receipt and be open to public 
inspection pursuant to 15 CFR 2006.13. Comments containing confidential 
business information are exempt from public inspection in accordance 
with 15 CFR 2006.15. However, USTR will require submission of non-
business confidential versions of such documents, as described above, 
and will post non-business confidential versions to the public docket. 
Comments may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov by entering docket 
number USTR-2013-0040 in the search field on the home page.

Susan F. Wilson,
Director for Intellectual Property and Innovation.
[FR Doc. 2013-31487 Filed 1-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3290-F4-P

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