Perspectives of Developed and Developing Countries on Intellectual Property and Economic Development

Abstract

Intellectual property (IP) is crucial in influencing economic development and innovation potential in both advanced and emerging nations. Developed nations have created strong intellectual property frameworks, frequently leveraging them for strategic economic benefits, while less affluent countries encounter pressure to implement similar norms, despite varying historical, institutional, and economic situations. The global intellectual property system's function in fostering sustainable development for developing nations, rather than only serving industrialised economies, remains unclear.  This study seeks to analyse the historical experiences and policy strategies of various nations—including the U.S., Japan, China, India, Brazil, and EU members—to understand how intellectual property systems have influenced their economic growth trajectories and to assess the implications for developing countries.  The findings suggest that most industrialised countries initially resisted intellectual property enforcement, then establishing stronger protections upon reaching industrial maturity.  Conversely, emerging nations are presently urged to implement rigorous intellectual property regulations promptly.  This disparity has often obstructed innovation and technology transfer in these countries.  The study provides a historically informed comparative examination of the evolution of intellectual property systems, illustrating that the adoption of a uniform model for IP governance is both inequitable and harmful to developing nations.  The paper advocates for a balanced, context-sensitive international intellectual property framework and encourages increased collaboration with WIPO to align intellectual property systems with the diverse developmental needs of emerging economies.  This will provide fair access to innovation and foster inclusive global advancement.