TRIPS compliance, national patent regimes and innovation : evidence and experience from developing countries

'Has TRIPS contributed to the catch-up of developing countries or has it only strengthened the power of big multinationals? This book tries to answer this important question by studying what in fact happened in four countries - Brazil, China, India and Thailand. The book succeeds in giving a balanced account of what happened after TRIPS and suggests that the impact of TRIPS alone was probably not that critical. Many readers will find the case studies on pharmaceuticals and other industries valuable.' (Hiroyuki Odagiri, Commissioner, Fair Trade Commission of Japan). -- With respect to intellectual property regimes, a significant change in international governance rules is mandated by the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This topical volume deals with the processes through which TRIPS compliance was achieved in four developing country jurisdictions: Brazil, China, India and Thailand. More importantly, it analyses the macro and micro implications of TRIPS compliance for innovative activity in industry in general, but focuses specifically on the agrochemical, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. This unique volume will appeal to a wide range of scholars working on development, evolutionary economics and technology.