ABSTRACT
Despite the growing debate about the complex global role of intellectual property over the past decade, and the diversity of policy initiatives and academic studies spawned by (and contributing to) this debate, little has been done to meet the practical demands of developing countries and public interest organizations for access to intellectual property expertise on a case-by-case basis. Wealthier organizations and private industry have access to such expertise, by paying for the services of the intellectual property professionals that are concentrated in developed countries. In contrast, in developing countries, there are few intellectual property professionals and many organizations cannot afford to pay for their services. Moreover, many intellectual property professionals are ill-equipped to meet the needs of public interest clients. Society benefits when all people have access to good information and competent advice, and fairness dictates that when poor and excluded people are confronted with the very complicated issues involving intellectual property, they should have access to expert advice and representation.
