5. Has the TRIPS Waiver Helped the Least Developed Countries Progress Towards Innovation and Compliance?

Abstract

This chapter analyses the issue of waivers for the LDCs under the TRIPS Agreement in the context of how waivers help these countries graduate from the LDC category and progress towards TRIPS compliance. It also identifies the technical and infrastructural development and changes required as LDCs move towards TRIPS compliance, using the case study of Bangladesh. WTO members have agreed to extend the transition period for LDCs to implement the TRIPS Agreement until July 2021; it was previously due to end on 1 July 2013. Haiti submitted a request on 5 November 2012 and on behalf of the LDC group