MUMBAI: Countries negotiating a deal to curb trade in fake and pirated goods are likely to reach an agreement. They are in talks that have raised concerns among digital rights advocates.

Said Nefeterius McPherson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative‘s office, said in a statement,"The agreement can be concluded soon if other participants make it a priority to achieve such progress now."

Digital rights advocates have feared the proposed anti-counterfeiting trade agreement could allow customs agents to confiscate laptop and music devices if they contain illegal downloads, while other groups have worried it could restrict trade in low-price generic drugs.

In a joint statement, negotiators from the U.S., the European Union, Japan and other countries that met this week in New Zealand said those fears were unjustified.

To further allay concerns, the countries have agreed to release a consolidated "bracketed text" on Wednesday.The brackets surround parts of the agreement that are still under negotiation and will be the focus of the next round of talks in June in Switzerland.