Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and the Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The TRIPS agreement has given flexibility to all countries in selecting the protection methods and techniques for plant varieties and farmers traditional knowledge. Thus, most of the developed countries have adopted well-built intellectual property regimes using strong patent systems and plant breeder’s rights. The main reason for developed countries to choose patents for protection is due to their technological capabilities and the immense financial benefits that a patent system is expected to generate. Whereas, developing countries have weak regimes due to lack of financial and technical support.Sri Lanka, Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights, TRIPS, Agriculture Sector