Title: Intellectual property rights and foreign direct investment

Authors: Carlos M. Correa

Addresses: Universidad d e Buenos Aires, Centro de Estudious Avanzados, Florida 439,2O piso 1008, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract: This paper discusses the relationship between foreign direct investment and intellectual property rights. It aims to provide an analytical framework with which to understand this relationship and to deal with it. The multiple variables that affect the relationship, the industries involved and the degree of development of countries are first considered. The main developments in legislation, WIPO, UPOV and GATT that have recently taken place are outlined with regard to strategies and decisions for foreign direct investment. An analytical framework is then presented and the significant differences it exposes when applied to different types of intellectual property are exemplified by case studies.

Keywords: intellectual property rights; IPR; foreign direct investment; FDI; GATT; WIPO; compulsory licences; Convention for the Protection of Plant Varieties; breeders rights; integrated circuits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1995.025621

International Journal of Technology Management, 1995 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.173 - 199

Published online: 23 May 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article