Asean countried called to extend IP rights beyond WTO

At the recent meeting to finalise details of the AseanAustralia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (ANNZFTA), Australia and New Zealand sought to persuade all Asean countries to include the TRIPSplus concept in the pact. In exchange, the two countries would allow imports of more Asean goods.

The TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is a normal standard for protecting intellectual property rights to which World Trade Organisation members have committed.

However, TRIPSplus is more rigorous and requires extended protection of patents and trademarks, more restrictions on registration of generic drugs and other safeguards demanded by developed nations.

A Commerce Ministry source said most Asean members did not agree with the proposal as TRIPSplus would increase difficulties for developing countries.

However, some countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, would agree to the proposal as these countries have already provided protection beyond the World Trade Organisation agreement after finalising freetrade negotiations with the United States.

- The Nation

Petchanet Pratruangkrai