East Africa Joins Push on Property Laws Deadline

{{The East African Community has thrown its weight behind a campaign to insulate poor countries from stringent international intellectual property laws.}}

During their seating in Kampala earlier this week, the East African Legislative Assembly resolved to support the extension of the grace period within which developing countries implement the trade related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement.

The agreement protects intellectual property which was adopted by World Trade Organisation members in 1995. It requires states to implement laws that protect intellectual property of fellow members.

A deadline of 2005 was imposed on all members to comply.

However, upon appeals, the deadline for least developed countries was extended by seven years and expires on June 30.

The East African assembly said it was supporting a formal request by Haiti on behalf of least developed countries last year calling for the extension of the transition period.

Haiti wants the grace period extended to poor countries on the implementation of property rights agreement to remain in effect.

{NMG}