The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is the most far-reaching and comprehensive legal regime ever concluded at the multilateral level in the area of intellectual property rights (IPR). Compared to prior IPR conventions, TRIPS constitutes a major qualitative leap which radically modifies not only the context in which IPR are considered internationally, but also their substantive content and the methods for their enforcement and dispute settlement. This much-welcomed treatise, now in its third edition, thoroughly updates its comprehensive analysis of the substantive provisions of the Agreement and their actual interpretation and application in different jurisdictions, with new material on the burgeoning case law and on major changes in plant variety protection. As in previous editions, the book may be relied upon for in-depth clarification of such matters as the following: • standards established under the agreement; • enforcement measures; • social and legal issues; • legal and policy possibilities offered; • legislative latitude allowed to WTO Member States; • incorporation of TRIPS into domestic law; • protection of integrated circuit design; • protection of innovation and R&D for diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries; • challenges raised by ongoing technological changes; • access to medicines; • protection of confidential (undisclosed) information; and • interface between competition law and intellectual property protection. With fifteen chapters contributed by a distinguished panel of experts representing diverse parties — international organisations, legal practice, government policy, and academia — the third edition offers an incomparable framework for understanding the background, principles, and complex provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition will be of great value to all professionals and business people concerned with international trade. It stimulates further discussion and analysis in this area of growing importance to international law and international economic relations, particularly regarding the possibilities offered by the Agreement and the loose ends that may need consideration in the future at the national or international level.

Introduction -- Intellectual property rights basics -- Global intellectual property holdings -- Contribution of intellectual property to U.S. economy -- The organized structure of IPR protection -- U.S. trade law -- Issues for Congress.

This commentary covers the entire TRIPs agreement. It adopts a comparative perspective in highlighting related and similar provisions and developments in other international and regional instruments.. It is designed to meet the needs both of the WTO and the intellectual property community.

In light of current negotiations concerning NAFTA and GATT, the question of intellectual property and its impact on international trade has taken on renewed urgency. The recognition and enforcement of intellectual property rights in national jurisdictions can serve to encourage international trade and economic growth or can create barriers to free and open commercial exchange. In this timely volume, Canadian, American, and Mexican scholars examine these landmark agreements and reassess the effects of intellectual property rights on international trade. Focusing on trade and intellectual property policies and practices between and within North America and Europe, they address several key issues, including "gray marketing" in North American and European trading blocs, U.S. trade policy concerning enforcement of intellectual property rights, and dramatic changes in Mexican law regarding intellectual property. The volume is essential for scholars working in intellectual property rights, international trade, and the global economy. Policymakers and anyone wishing to stay current with world trade negotiations will also find this book useful.

The rising importance and continuous expansion of intellectual property protection quite naturally goes together with increasing concern about the legal and political foundations of such enhanced protection. Nowhere does the basic equation which underlies intellectual property, namely that the pursuit of short term private interest by the holders of such property will satisfy the public interest in the long term, become both more visible, but also questionable than at the crossroads between the grant and enforcement of exclusive rights with international trade. Catchphrases, such as patent protection and access to essential medicines, or access to genetic resources, benefit sharing and economic development, stand for fundamental tensions and conflicts between private property and the public interest. This book presents the contributions that have been made on these and related topics by a group of internationally renowned experts at a workshop held at the College of Europe, Bruges.

This report provides background on intellectual property rights (IPR) and discusses the role of U.S. international trade policy in enhancing IPR protection and enforcement abroad. IPR are legal rights granted by governments to encourage innovation and creative output by ensuring that creators reap the benefits of their inventions or works and they may take the form of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, or geographical indications. U.S. industries that rely on IPR contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth, employment, and trade with other countries. Counterfeiting and piracy in other countries may result in the loss of billions of dollars of revenue for U.S. firms as well as the loss of jobs. Responsibility for developing IPR policy, engaging in IPR-related international negotiations, and enforcing IPR laws cuts across several different U.S. Government agencies.