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The International Political Economy of Intellectual Property Rights
This book investigates the realm of intellectual property rights (IPRs) within the context of international political economy. In particular, it examines the extent to which powerful interest groups, such as pharmaceutical multinational companies, influence the political dynamism underlying the field of IPRs.
Meir Perez Pugatch argues that a pure economic approach does not provide a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for the creation of intellectual property rights, most notably patents. The author instead suggests that a dynamic approach, based on the international political economy of interest groups and systemic outcomes, provides a better starting point for explaining how the international intellectual property agenda is determined.
Meir Perez Pugatch argues that a pure economic approach does not provide a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for the creation of intellectual property rights, most notably patents. The author instead suggests that a dynamic approach, based on the international political economy of interest groups and systemic outcomes, provides a better starting point for explaining how the international intellectual property agenda is determined.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This book investigates the realm of intellectual property rights (IPRs) within the context of international political economy. In particular, it examines the extent to which powerful interest groups, such as pharmaceutical multinational companies, influence the political dynamism underlying the field of IPRs.
Meir Perez Pugatch argues that a pure economic approach does not provide a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for the creation of intellectual property rights, most notably patents. The author instead suggests that a dynamic approach, based on the international political economy of interest groups and systemic outcomes, provides a better starting point for explaining how the international intellectual property agenda is determined.
The book explores the manner in which the R&D-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe organised and operated between 1995 and 1999 in order to secure its interests with regard to the agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPs) of the World Trade Organisation.
The International Political Economy of Intellectual Property Rights will be warmly welcomed by scholars, practitioners, and government officials interested in the fields of international trade and intellectual property policy, intellectual property law and international business. The potential readership is as likely to come from developed as from developing countries. The latter may find the process of IP policy making of particular interest and relevance given current international IP developments.
Meir Perez Pugatch argues that a pure economic approach does not provide a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for the creation of intellectual property rights, most notably patents. The author instead suggests that a dynamic approach, based on the international political economy of interest groups and systemic outcomes, provides a better starting point for explaining how the international intellectual property agenda is determined.
The book explores the manner in which the R&D-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe organised and operated between 1995 and 1999 in order to secure its interests with regard to the agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPs) of the World Trade Organisation.
The International Political Economy of Intellectual Property Rights will be warmly welcomed by scholars, practitioners, and government officials interested in the fields of international trade and intellectual property policy, intellectual property law and international business. The potential readership is as likely to come from developed as from developing countries. The latter may find the process of IP policy making of particular interest and relevance given current international IP developments.
Critical Acclaim
‘The TRIPS agreement was the most controversial outcome of the Uruguay Round, and is seen by many informed observers as a poisoned chalice for the WTO. Meir Pugatch examines the European side of the lobbying process that produced it. Everyone interested in how business interests affect and even dominate the formation of public policy should read his study.’
– Brian Hindley, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
‘This book is a substantial contribution to the discussion on trade-related intellectual property rights. It provides a clear, step-by-step, in-depth analysis of the TRIPS agreement, particularly as it relates to the European pharmaceutical industry. Politics, law and economics are judiciously blended. Meir Pugatch’s work should be read not just by academic experts and students in the field, but also by trade policy and IPR practitioners interested in an accessible, policy-relevant treatment of the issues at hand.’
– Razeen Sally, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
– Brian Hindley, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
‘This book is a substantial contribution to the discussion on trade-related intellectual property rights. It provides a clear, step-by-step, in-depth analysis of the TRIPS agreement, particularly as it relates to the European pharmaceutical industry. Politics, law and economics are judiciously blended. Meir Pugatch’s work should be read not just by academic experts and students in the field, but also by trade policy and IPR practitioners interested in an accessible, policy-relevant treatment of the issues at hand.’
– Razeen Sally, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Economic Theory of IPRs (Patents and Trademarks) 3. Economic and Political Explanations for the Emergence of a Stronger International IP System 4. The Advanced Pharmaceutical Industry in Europe and IPRs 5. Core IP Interests and the Organizational Structure of the Advanced Pharmaceutical Industry in Europe 6. TRIPs and Pharmaceuticals 7. Opposition of Developing Countries and LDCs to the TRIPs Pharmaceutical IP Agenda 8. Protecting the International Pharmaceutical IP Agenda of TRIPs: Strategies and Activities of the Advanced Pharmaceutical Industry in Europe between 1995 and 1999 9. The Dynamics of Change within the Framework of IPRs References Annex I: Interviews Index