ABSTRACT
The World Trade Organization trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) agreement, which sets out the minimum standards for the protection of intellectual property has come under fierce criticism because of the effects that increased levels of patent protection will have on drug prices. A number of new medicines that are vital for the survival of millions are already too costly for the vast majority of people in poor countries. Developing countries, where three-quarters of the world population live, account for less than 10 percent of the global pharmaceutical market. The US action came under fierce pressure from the international nongovernmental organization community, which feared it would have a detrimental effect on Brazil's successful acquired immunodeficiency syndrome program. A number of international institutions and UN agencies contributed to the debate on access to medicines and looked into the consequences of stronger intellectual property protection for developing countries as a result of TRIPS.
