Cross-border intelligence, on the wire.

The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property protection and enforcement practices. The investigation aims to determine if Vietnam's persistent IP issues are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that despite some recent steps, IP infringement in Vietnam continues to harm U.S. innovators and creators.

The U.S. Trade Representative will attend the annual APEC Ministerial meeting in Singapore on July 21-22, 2009. This week's trade focus highlights U.S. trade relations with APEC member economies.