Intellectual Property, Development, and Access to Knowledge

This chapter examines debates on intellectual property (IP) and development in the wider context of issues relating to IP and the public interest. It also considers how calls for greater attention to development in the global IP system relate to campaigns for “access to knowledge” (A2K). After reviewing the longstanding debates on IP and public policy issues as well as the substance of debates on IP, development, and A2K, the article discusses the engagement of developing countries in the international IP system up until the end of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) negotiations. It proceeds with a review of post-TRIPS debates on the Agreement itself, before concluding with an analysis of the continuing challenges of addressing public interest and development concerns in the increasingly complex global IP system.