This book cuts through the daunting technicalities of one of the most important of the WTO (World Trade Organization) agreements, that dealing with Intellectual Property Rights (hitherto primarily the preserve of national patent legislation) and their treatment as internationally tradeable commodities. Professor Correa makes comprehensible the TRIPS Agreement and explains its main provisions.

He is particularly concerned to explore the Agreement's massive implications for developing countries. These relate to the future of local R & D, their access to advanced technology (here he focuses on information technologies -- computer software, multimedia products, integrated circuits and digital information), commercial exploitation of natural resources and possible welfare effects. Pressure is mounting on Third World governments to implement the Agreement through national legislation. Professor Correa indicates concrete options available to implement the provisions in a manner consistent with these countries' development objectives and public policy concerns.

This book is an essential introduction to TRIPS and provides elements to develop policies and laws on intellectual property from a developing country perspective.