Implications for Developing Countries of Obligations on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights as Prescribed by the TRIPS Agreement*

Abstract

One of the most significant aspects of the TRIPS Agreement is the portion relating to enforcement of intellectual property rights. There is a comprehensive set of enforcement standards which all members of the World Trade Organization are obliged to follow. This paper examines what is required by the enforcement provisions of TRIPS Agreement. Besides providing some general guidelines to be followed by the Members, the provisions describe civil, administrative and criminal procedures, and border measures for enforcing their intellectual property rights. For developing countries some possible areas are identified where changes would be needed.