The World Trade Organization on Tuesday, May 22, formally adopted its ruling against the U.S. on online gambling. The small country of Antigua and Barbuda is aiming to take actions against the U.S.
Antigua became the smallest country in the WTO to successfully litigate a case, which lead to a WTO ruling that US restrictions on Internet gambling are illegal. The U.S. allowed the deadline declared by the WTO to pass and didn't file a final appeal.
Now, Antigua with a population of less than 80,000 is threatening to target U.S. trademarks, copyrights and telecommunications companies to get compensation for the U.S.'s breach of the trade agreement.
Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua said to the WTO dispute settlement body that other countries should do the same and punish the U.S. as well.
"Not only do we think that members should press claims for compensatory adjustments as a matter of economic self-interest," said Ashe, "but we also believe it is important that the process is made as difficult as possible for the United States."
Brazil and India have supported of Antigua and Barbuda, claiming that the United States should have to compensate the nation, while the European Union, which has supported the case against the United States, has yet to notify the country as to whether or not they will file a compensatory claim as well.
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