WTO Debates Green Technologies and IPRs

WTO members should examine the ways in which intellectual property (IP) protections affect the development and use of environmentally-sound technologies, according to a recent submission tabled by Ecuador. Sources say that the suggestion to the WTO’s Council on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) sparked intense discussions among members at their Tuesday meeting.

The submission (IP/C/W/585) highlights the importance of technology and its transfer for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Introduced at an earlier meeting in March, the paper’s proposals include, among others, amending the WTO’s intellectual property rules to reduce the length of time patents can be applied to green technologies in developing countries. Presenting the paper, Ecuador also suggested that members consider issuing a declaration on the subject at December’s ministerial conference in Bali.

Some developing countries - including, Indonesia, China, and India - expressed support for the paper, trade sources confirmed. However, several developed countries, including the US, Japan, and the EU argued that intellectual property protection encourages both the development of environmentally sound technologies at accessible prices, as well as technology transfer.