TRADE RELATEDNESS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY-RIGHTS - FINDING THE REAL CONNECTIONS

This article argues that the proposals regarding patenting which are i ncluded in the recent international Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) will strengthen existing trad e monopolies and adversely influence technology diffusion between the North and the South. Such an outcome, which would possibly diminish ma rket opportunities for the less affluent nations, would further widen the economic gap between North and South. The article uses a neo-techn ology theory of trade to shed light on this emerging problem.