Developing Nations Rally for TRIPS Agreement Review, Emphasize Development Focus
Last Updated on March 14, 2024 5:09 am
In a significant move, Bangladesh, India, Colombia, and Egypt have joined forces to advocate for a comprehensive review of the TRIPS Agreement within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Emphasizing the imperative to prioritize development, technology transfer, and the concerns of developing countries, this collective call underscores a concerted effort to address longstanding issues surrounding intellectual property rights (IPRs).
Against the backdrop of the recent 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, where discussions on extending a temporary waiver for COVID-19-related therapeutics and diagnostics faced challenges, these nations have stepped up to assert the need for a thorough evaluation of the TRIPS Agreement. Their joint submission aims to instigate dialogue on key issues pertinent to the agreement’s implementation and impact, particularly in the context of global development goals.
The TRIPS Agreement, instituted in 1995, sets forth minimum standards for the protection of intellectual property rights among WTO members. However, concerns have been raised regarding its compatibility with broader development objectives and the protection of traditional knowledge and biodiversity.
Central to the submission by Bangladesh and its counterparts is the urgent examination of the interplay between the TRIPS Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as well as the safeguarding of traditional knowledge and folklore. Notably, while the CBD acknowledges sovereign rights over biological resources, the TRIPS Agreement permits patenting of such resources, posing challenges for developing nations in combating bio-piracy and preserving indigenous knowledge.
The call for expediting the review process, in accordance with the Doha Ministerial Declaration, reflects a commitment to addressing the evolving needs and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback at the recent Ministerial Conference, the collective resolve of these nations to push for comprehensive solutions underscores a proactive approach to addressing global health crises and fostering equitable access to essential medicines and technologies.
As discussions unfold within the TRIPS Council, the spotlight remains on advancing inclusive and sustainable development agendas that prioritize the interests of all WTO members. With the prospect of recommendations being presented at the next WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled tentatively in Cameroon in two years, the momentum for reforming the TRIPS Agreement gathers strength, signaling a pivotal moment in shaping the future trajectory of global trade and intellectual property governance.