ABSTRACT
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) seems on track to be the first multilateral trade agreement which will meet the three objectives underlying the US strategy for 40 years in regard to culture. The objectives include: well protected intellectual property (IP); a mechanism under the agreement that allows companies to have direct control over the policies of states; and unrestricted access to markets of trading partners. Agreement of trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) established common international rules and a dispute resolution mechanism on IP issues. Notwithstanding the IP issues, since they had the concession granted in 1947 during the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations, the US government has continued to seek ways to end the cultural industries' special status, especially that of the cinema, which allows several states to promote national cultural enterprises and local artists.
