Russia increases anti-piracy efforts, enhances trademark protection.

In October 2002, the Russian cabinet set up a new task force, headed by Prime Minister Mikhail Kasynov, to solve the growing problem of intellectual property piracy, reflecting the country's continuing efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and attract more foreign investment. [See 14 Intell. Prop. & Tech. L.J., No. 6 (June 2002); 13 Intell. Prop. & Tech. L.J., No. 6 (June 2001); 12 J. Proprietary Rts., No. 9 (Sept. 2000).]

According to the Russian press ministry, more than 90 percent of DVDs, 64 percent of CDs, and 50 percent of videos sold in Russia are unlicensed. Copyright, trademark, and patent legislation is now working its way through the Russian …