Intellectual property, globalization and development

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Abstract

The protection of intellectual property rights, which the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been promoting, was not put into question until the 1990s. Globalization and technological evolution have turned it into a growing controversy. From now on huge interests are at stake in a globalized, knowledge-based economy. There is a gap between the progress of new technologies and the status of intellectual property law. An additional factor stems from the TRIPS agreement and the debate on drug patents. How would it be possible for all to reap the fruits of creativity and innovation?

AFRI 2008 Summary