Developing Country Coordination in International Intellectual Property Standard-Setting

Abstract

International intellectual property (IP) standard-setting is becoming more complex and diversified. However, many developing countries are not well prepared to face the challenges arising from this evolution. This is reflected in the lack of coordination amongst them as well as in the inconsistencies in their positions in different fora dealing with IP matters. This paper examines developing country coordination in international IP standard-setting and underlines the need for developing countries to bring coordination at the forefront of their concerns in their participation in international IP rule-making. Developing country coordination in international IP standard-setting encompasses coordination by developing countries at the national level and coordination between developing countries at the international level. Both aspects of coordination are inextricably linked as coalitions of developing countries are most likely to emerge, on a sustained basis, only among countries that have a coherent and coordinated approach to IP policy making at the national level.