This paper sets out views relating to the review of the provisions of Article 27.3(b) of the World Trade Organization. It provides a number of specific comments on the issues arising as part of the review, organized under the following three items of the chairman’s list proposed during the TRIPS Council meeting held on 21 March 2000:
- the link between the provisions of Article 27.3(b) and development;
- technical issues relating to sui-generis protection of plant varieties; and
- the relationship to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic material as required in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The paper also responds to the views expressed by some developed countries on issues arising as part of the Article 27.3(b) review.