The first presentation focused on Latin America. It put forward that innovation was key to development, to generate sustainable comparative advantage, as well as a better quality of life. Thus, IPRs are of crucial importance as they are one of the means to capture the intangible value of innovation. Key features of IP provisions in Latin American FTAs were described. The main factors playing a role for innovation were considered to be the following: a strong research base; a legal and policy framework; a culture of innovation; technological transfer services; and business development services.

The second presentation was based on a study led by Alexander Koff, entitled: “Study on the Economic Impact of TRIPS (trade-related intellectual property rights) + Free Trade Agreements”. This study focuses on TRIPS+ provisions of FTAs signed by the United States and finds that greater IPR protection has a positive impact on trade, even for developing countries involved in those FTAs. From the public, a representative of Jordan supported this conclusion, asserting that, contrary to what he thought in the past, his country’s pharmaceutical industry had benefited a lot from the WTO TRIPS agreement. In his recommendations, Mr Koff specified that it was important to distinguish between trademark protection and patents.

The speakers also based their argumentation on success stories of different countries (such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, Mexico or Jordan) to emphasize the benefits of IPRs on innovation and trade. They also pointed to the lack of resources in developing countries. Consequently, they insisted both on the need for technical assistance and best practice schemes to help developing countries benefit from IPRs.

The presentations generally emphasized that IP was a means to favour innovation and trade, but not an end in itself.