Latest Hong Kong Ministerial Draft Reflects TRIPS Health Decision

The new draft declaration for the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting in Hong Kong next week has been updated to reflect the 6 December decision to amend international intellectual property trade law for public health reasons.

WTO members amended the 1994 Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The amendment will make it easier for poor countries exposed to health emergencies to import cheaper generic versions of patented medicines if they are not able to produce these themselves (IPW, WTO/TRIPS, 6 December).

The following words in italics have been added to paragraph 34 of the draft text: “In this regard, we welcome the work that has taken place in the council and the decision of the General Council of 6 December 2005 on an amendment of the TRIPS Agreement.” In earlier versions of the draft, dated 1 December, the sentence was left open.

The first draft ministerial text was published on 26 November, with a second draft on 1 December. Three changes have been made overall to the draft on 7 December, only one relating to intellectual property issues.