What are transitions periods offered to least developed countries?
The least developed countries may apply the TRIPS Agreement until January 1, 2006 with the possibility of an extension and until January1, 2016 as regards pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical patents. The transition periods apply only to WTO members as of January 1995. However, new members would not benefit of any transition period. The transition rules embrace the situation where a country has no legislation to address patent protection in a particular area of technology when the TRIPS Agreement came into force on January 1, 1995. The said country is expected to take the requisite measures to introduce the required protection by January1, 2005.
