Since its establishment in 1988, the Special 301 has become a big stick to protect American intellectual property in overseas markets, and as a result is the priority focus of research by American trade partners. In February 2016, President Obama signed the amendment of the Special 301. The amendment brings the “trade secrets” legislation protection into the scope of investigation and sets up the “priority watch list” system, which makes a change on the legal procedure. The amendment reinforces the deterrent effect of the provision and weakens its actual use by setting up an alternative system. It shows that legislators are becoming more cautious about the section.

section 301； special 301；intellectual property right； ChinaUS trade; American policy； trade secret； priority watch list