Countries eye anti-counterfeiting trade deal in September

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Negotiators from the United States, the European Union and nine other countries said on Friday they planned to finish work in September on a proposed pact to reduce trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.

The countries also pledged to publicly release the final text of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which has raised concerns among Internet and digital rights advocates, "before deciding to sign it."

In a joint statement, the participating countries addressed a number of worries that have surfaced about the pact, saying it would not require members of the agreement to take steps that violate "fundamental rights and liberties."

Some digital rights advocates feared provisions aimed at reducing online piracy of music and films could empower Internet providers to deny service to repeat offenders.

The trade agreement "will not hinder the cross-border transit of legitimate generic medicines," the joint statement also said.

The agreement "will not oblige border authorities to search travelers' baggage or their personal electronic devices for infringing materials," it continued.

Some were concerned the agreement might allow customs officials to seize generic versions of patented drugs and to confiscate laptops and music listening devices if they contain pirated material.

(Reporting by Doug Palmer; Editing by Stacey Joyce)