IPRs in the ACP Agreements &
TRIPS Compatibility
Is the treatment of IPRs in the existing ACP Agreements compatible
with developing and least developed countries' obligations under
the TRIPS Agreement?
Introducer: Hunter Nottage, Advisory Centre
for WTO Law
Commentator: Achille Bassailekin, Permanent Missions of ACP
Countries to the WTO and UN Organizations
IPR Chapters in EPAs & TRIPS Flexibilities
General overview of EU policies on IPRs: How have these policies
been integrated into the six regional EPA negotiations?
Introducers: Maximiliano Santa-Cruz, Mission
of Chile to the WTO and David Vivas Eugui
Can the IPR elements being promoted by the EU
in the EPA negotiations impact the flexibilities accorded to
developed and least developed countries under the TRIPS Agreement?
Introducer: Frederick Abbott, Florida State
University College of Law
Commentator: Christoph Spennemann, UNCTAD
ACP Countries Offensive IP Interests in EPAs
Which possible key IP areas represent an offensive
interest of developing countries and LDCs in EPA negotiations?
Genetic resources, traditional knowledge & folklore and
mechanisms to promote technology transfer & innovation.
Introducer: Carlos Correa, University of
Buenos Aires
Commentator: Malcolm Spence, CARICOM Secretariat
How can ACP Countries Best Approach the Six
Regional EPA Negotiations on IPRs to Ensure a Positive Outcome?
ACP Countries Defensive Interests in EPAs
Copyrights are a major offensive interest for
EU industries. The six regional groups negotiating the EPAs
may have diverse approaches to this issue. How are the interests
of existing and fledgling industries in ACP countries.
Introducers: Dalindyebo Shabalala, CIEL and
Johan Asein, Nigerian Copyright Commission
The enforcement of IPRs is an EU priority which
will be pursued by the German government in its role as president
of both the EU and G8 in 2007. Could current flexibilities and
special & differential treatment under TRIPS be threatened
by enforcement issues in the EPAs?
Introducers: Frederick Abbott, Florida State
University College of Law and Eduard Bizumuremiyi, Mission of
Rwanda to the WTO.
