The act was negotiated in January by the European Union, the U.S., Japan, Canada, the New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Morocco, Mexico and Switzerland. Its purpose was to strengthen intellectual property rights and fight counterfeiting and piracy of goods such as designer clothing, music and films.
The agreement sparked protests worldwide.
In Romania, thousands of people protested against the enforcement of ACTA. Demonstrators said the act violates the rights of Internet users and restricts freedom of speech. They argued ACTA is “a threat to privacy” and that it opens door for abuse.
The European Commission had asked the European Court of Justice to determine if ACTA breached freedom of speech and intellectual property rights.
In February, the Romanian Government decided to postpone the ratification of the agreement until the European Court of Justice issued a standpoint on the matter.