Patent Protection and Public Health Promotion in Tanzania

Abstract

Intellectual property rights refer to intangible rights that are conferred to a person for the protection of his intellectual creation. One of the subsets of intellectual property is patent, which deals with protection of inventions. This article aims at critically analysing the relationship between patent protection and promotion of public health. The article begins by discussing the international legal framework on patent protection and their position on the promotion of public health. Further, the article analyses the measures to be taken by developing countries so as to promote public health in their countries and at the same time ensuring patent protection. An analysis of the Tanzanian legal framework on patent protection and the efforts taken to promote public health follows thereafter. Ultimately, the article draws a conclusion and provides recommendations on what should be done by developing countries so as to effectively promote public health. Keywords: Intellectual Property, Patent Protection, Public Health, Developing Countries.