Current Developments and Trends in the Field of Intellectual Property: Implications for Arab Countries
Introduction
The conclusion of the Trade Related Aspects Intellectual Property Agreement (TRIPS), in the context of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations (1994,) ushered in an unprecedented interest in the protection of intellectual property (IP) particularly concerning the impact of new global IP rules on developing countries. However, developments relating to protection of IP in Arab countries have, in general, received less attention, from stakeholders, particularly civil society, than in other developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this connection, the aim of this paper is to stress the need for Arab countries to adopt a more development-oriented perspective on IP protection. It will first underline some general trends and developments in the field of IP and analyze their impact on Arab countries. It will then highlight some recommendations in order for Arab countries to advance towards this objective.