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Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property
Research and Advocacy Resources for Students

Suspending IP Obligations Under TRIPS: A Viable Alternative to Enforce Prevailing WTO Rulings?

In two recent prominent disputes in the World Trade Organization (WTO), developing country complainants are using the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to induce compliance with favorable WTO rulings. Brazil in the US – Cotton dispute and Antigua in the US – Gambling case announced their intention to “cross-retaliate” against WTO-inconsistent measures of the US by suspending obligations under TRIPS. This approach can offer a practical alternative enforcement mechanism especially for developing countries and smaller economies in disputes against (industrialized) countries with significantly greater economic power in international trade.

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Trade, Human Rights and Development

UN Building - 200pxMany of PIJIP’s projects involve issues at the intersection of intellectual property’s relation to trade, human rights and development interests of developing countries. PIJIP advises governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-profit organizations on implementation of the WTO agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as well as on the negotiation and implementation of intellectual property provisions of Free Trade Agreements. With the support of major foundations, PIJIP has hosted, and PIJIP routinely participates in, numerous international workshops and conferences on intellectual property and trade issues that are particularly relevant to developing countries. PIJIP faculty perform academic analyses of trade, human rights and development issues.



Selected Reports

Student Work Product (research papers produced by students in WCL's new course - Advanced Issues in IP: Human Rights and Development)

Statements and Proposals for a WIPO Development Agenda

Legal Texts

World Trade Agreement Texts

Historical Intellectual Property Treaties

Human Rights Treaties

U.S. Legal Documents

Events

Partners




Photo of woman working no loom by Peter Jaszi.  Photo of the UN building by Ashitakka.
 
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