This book presents a critical examination of the policy space in international intellectual property law through the unique lens of glocalisation. It further highlights the role that the WTO’s adjudicatory bodies play in preserving this space in international IP law.

"Law school casebook on intellectual property in a global context"--

This book comprises chapters by leading international authors analysing the interface between intellectual property and foreign direct investment, development, and free trade. The authors search for a balance between the conflicting interests that inherently coexist in intellectual property law. The chapters dig deep into the subjects and notions that have become central in international intellectual property legal developments: i) flexibility, public interest and policy-space for implementation; ii) interfaces between the intellectual property regime and other legal regimes; and iii) the development of international intellectual property law and its influence on national legal orders, which includes the implementation of intellectual property undertakings.

Intellectual Property law (IP) - particularly in relation to international trade regimes - is increasingly finding itself challenged by rapid developments in the technological and global economic landscapes. In its attempt to maintain a responsive legislative system that is interacting successfully with global trade rules, IP is having to respond to an increasing number of actors on an international level. This book examines the problems associated with this undertaking as well as suggesting possible revisions to the TRIPS agreement that would make it more relevant to the environment in which today's IP mechanisms are operating. The overall aim is to find an adequate response to the 'IP balance dilemma'. The theme is pursued throughout various topics, including a look at what this means in relation to economy in a country like China, and also considering how IP is increasingly having to reconcile itself with human rights issues.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. This authoritative introduction provides a detailed overview of the complexities of the international intellectual property regime and the ways in which it operates. The authors cover the key international institutions and agreements that regulate and inform intellectual property at an international level such as the TRIPS Agreement, WIPO, WTO, the Paris Convention and the Berne Convention. The book serves as a platform to understand and contextualize policy discussions on topics such as public health, Internet regulation, as well as regional and bilateral trade treaties. Key features include: • Accessible and carefully summarized overview of the field • Comprehensive and up-to-date review of all major international intellectual property institutions and instruments • Introduces current issues within international IP negotiations • Provides tools to analyze the history and possible future development of international IP norms. Students, researchers, policy makers and practitioners of intellectual property will find this book to be an invaluable resource in gaining an understanding of the international rules and context in which both domestic and international IP policy issues should be understood.

Introduction -- Intellectual property rights basics -- Global intellectual property holdings -- Contribution of intellectual property to U.S. economy -- The organized structure of IPR protection -- U.S. trade law -- Issues for Congress.