Unsettled International Intellectual Property Issues

The interface between intellectual property and other fields, such as public health and biotechnology, has raised expectations from both developed and developing countries. At the same time, a variety of issues have arisen from these relationships. Debates over public health, protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions or expressions of folklore, and the control of biological resources and access to genetic resources pose major challenges to the current global system of intellectual property.

This thoughtful book serves not only to contribute to these ongoing debates but also, through in-depth analysis and well-grounded recommendations, to move them closer to resolution in a manner beneficial to all interested parties. Among the matters discussed are the following:-

• intellectual property and public health;
• intellectual property and traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions or expressions of folklore;
• intellectual property and plant varieties, biodiversity and access to genetic resources;
• use of marks and other signs on the Internet;
• and the international framework in respect to geographical indications.

As a deeply informed analysis of how to integrate intellectual property rights into the international development process, this book takes some giant steps toward the general recognition of the real parameters of the most severe problems plaguing the developing world and offers reachable measures toward significant improvement of those problems. It will be of interest to all professionals, officials, and academics concerned with the equitable administration of intellectual property rights.