2022/11/21 | 便利屋Reレンジャー | 未分類
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) covers a wide range of issues related to intellectual property rights (IPRs) and their impact on international trade. The TRIPS Agreement was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and came into force on January 1, 1995.
The TRIPS Agreement sets minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights around the world. The agreement covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, geographical indications, industrial designs, and trade secrets. TRIPS also includes provisions on the enforcement of IPRs, such as border measures, civil and criminal procedures, and remedies for IPR infringements.
One of the primary objectives of the TRIPS Agreement is to promote innovation and creativity by providing a level playing field for IPR protection and enforcement. The Agreement aims to strike a balance between the interests of IPR owners and the public interest by setting out rules that enable IPRs to be protected and enforced in a way that does not stifle innovation, hinder competition, or limit access to essential goods and services.
One of the key aspects of the TRIPS Agreement is the provision that requires WTO members to provide patent protection for new and innovative products and processes. This provision has been criticized for creating barriers to the access of essential medicines, particularly in developing countries. However, the Agreement also includes flexibilities that allow governments to take measures to promote access to affordable medicines, such as the use of compulsory licensing.
Another important provision of the TRIPS Agreement is the protection of geographical indications (GIs). GIs identify products that originate from a specific geographic region and have a unique quality or reputation associated with that region. The TRIPS Agreement sets out minimum standards for the protection of GIs and prevents the use of misleading or deceptive indications of origin.
In conclusion, the WTO Agreement on TRIPS covers a wide range of issues related to intellectual property rights and their impact on international trade. The Agreement aims to promote innovation and creativity while ensuring a fair and level playing field for IPR protection and enforcement. The TRIPS Agreement sets minimum standards for IPR protection and enforcement around the world, but also includes flexibilities to allow governments to take measures to promote access to essential goods and services, such as medicines.