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Mixed Feelings About WTO Online Gambling Ruling |
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Thursday, 27 December 2007 |
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The recent ruling by the World Trade Organization arbitrary panel on the case between the United States and Antigua, was met with mixed reactions by all concerned. In one way, the decision was seen as type of victory for the tiny Caribbean state. The WTO ruled that Antigua was not obliged to protect the intellectual property of US goods, including computer software and CDs, meaning that the US would lose up to $21-million if Antigua sold these products within its borders. However, legal representatives for Antigua were disappointed with the compensation total. The $21-million is a far cry from the $3.4-billion demanded by Antigua in its original claim, despite the fact that the United States only offered $500,000 for its role in not honoring trade agreements, leading to a loss in income for Antigua’s online gambling industry. Both sides are now considering the consequences of the ruling, with the United States urging Antigua not to make any drastic moves until the issue could be discussed at length. The WTO ruling cannot be appealed.
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