Biodiversity, genetic resources and a new agenda for reforming the intellectual property system.

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) establishes minimum standards for intellectual property rights (IPRs), including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. While balanced IPRs can promote innovation and the development of new technologies, the WTO's rules are slanted in favour of the owners of intellectual property (mainly big business in the North) and against the interests of consumers and the public, especially in the South.