The role of national intellectual property laws in promoting innovation,scientific and technological development

This paper examines the role which intellectual property rights can play in stimulating innovation for sustainable development. It provides an overview of the international intellectual property regime and its relevance to innovation, technological and scientific development. It considers the role of national intellectual property laws in the context of innovation by focusing on a number of key areas, including the protection of traditional knowledge and genetic resources, and the diffusion of environmentally sound technologies. The paper highlights areas of intellectual property law and system reform and strengthening that may be a focus for Commonwealth member countries.