Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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Intellectual property rights form a cornerstone of the global knowledge economy. But as the economic importance of these rights has grown, so too has controversy over their impacts on developing countries.
(Photo credit: USAID/R.Buckley)
Opinions and Analysis
Free-trade provisions will damage access to medicines
Impact studies warn that TRIPS-Plus provisions can lead to higher prices and reduced access to medicines, say Nusaraporn Kessomboon and colleagues.
Careful design is key to success of development prizes
Prizes for innovation must be used carefully to ensure that poor people in developing countries are the real winners, says Matthew Harsh.
Policy Briefs
Bioprospecting: legitimate research or 'biopiracy'?
A growing number of critics of 'bioprospecting' complain that companies often fail to adequately compensate holders of traditional knowledge, and that patents on products developed in this way are actually a form of intellectual piracy.
What impact do IPR rules have on food security?
An important issue raised by current debates on intellectual property rights — particularly in the context of their impact on developing countries — are the consequences that legislation protecting such rights may have for food security.
1 October 2001
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News and Features
Tribal knowledge of millets proves superior
Tribal people in the hills of Tamil Nadu have better knowledge of millet varieties than taxonomists, a study shows.
13 February 2012
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EN
Chile's new tax breaks set to stimulate R&D
Chile's parliament has substantially improved its tax incentives for companies to invest in R&D.
Pakistan to improve academia-industry links
27 January 2012
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EN
Brazil registers an increase in patent requests
25 January 2012
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ES
