On March 19th, 2025, an informal group of countries known as “Intellectual Property (IP) for Development” -Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, India and Pakistan- hosted an informal side event, on the margins of the regular TRIPS Council session.

The South Centre published the following commentary, program, presentations, and photos from this side event at this link, which are also shared below:

 

Delegates and experts were invited to an initial discussion to reflect on the history of the TRIPS negotiations, 30 years after their conclusion. The formal Council for TRIPS session will hear a brief summary of the event and its key takeaways and reflections.

The event took place in Room SI at the WTO and online, with participation of over 150 persons.

The presentations, program, photos. [and videos] are available below: 

W718 Side Event draft document

Presentation: History of the TRIPS Agreement by Carlos Correa

TRIPS Side Event Speech by Jayashree Watal

Presentation: Restoring and Adding to the TRIPS Balance by Joshua Sarnoff

Presentation: TRIPS restrictions on exports or imports when there is non-voluntary use of a patented invention by James Love

Presentation: Non-disclosed information and trade secrets by Ellen ‘t Hoen

Presentation: TRIPS and Copyright by Sean Flynn

Presentation on Articles 7 and 8 of TRIPS as well as Article 66 of TRIPS by Sangeeta Shashikant

Event Photos

Google Drive with Video Recordings

Programme

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Welcome & Light Snacks

2:00 PM – 2:05 PM | Opening Remarks & Introduction –
Ambassador Tareq Md. Ariful Islam, Bangladesh

2:05 PM – 2:35 PM | A History of the TRIPS Negotiations –
Dr. Carlos Correa, South Centre

2:35 PM – 3:15 PM | Experiences of National Negotiators
Ambassador Guilherme Patriota, Brazil
Ms. Jayashree Watal, India

3:15 PM – 4:25 PM | Panel: Key Issues & Provisions in TRIPS Negotiations
Moderator: Dr. Viviana Munoz Tellez, South Centre

Prof. Joshua Sarnoff (DePaul College of Law)
Mr. James Love (Knowledge Ecology International – KEI)
Dr. Ellen ’t Hoen (Medicines Law & Policy)
Mr. Sean Flynn (American University)
Ms. Sangeeta Shashikant (Third World Network – TWN)

4:25 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing & Summary – Amb. Ninad Deshpande, DPR India

4:30 PM – onwards | Farewell & Light Snack