Intellectual property and sustainable markets: Introduction

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to discuss the multi-faceted aspects of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in relation to sustainable development (SD). The objectives of IPRs are the promotion of innovation and the development of new knowledge. Innovation is instrumental in tackling the SDGs. IPRs are market-based legal instruments. However, they are technology neutral, and for IPRs to promote innovation and new knowledge within SD in particular, a contextual approach to IPRs is necessary. This introductory chapter discusses how IPRs may support sustainable innovation, and innovation necessary to tackle the SDGs, as IPRs interrelate with other fields of law, factual developments and social mechanisms. It is in this interrelation that IPRs serve their function as market-based instruments. The chapter discusses how incorporating sustainability requires an overarching approach, captured in the phrase “sustainable markets”. The chapter briefly presents and sets a frame for the subsequent concrete discussions.