ISDS Case Map
intellectual property
International investment laws focus mostly on the rights of the investor and diverse opinions of generally accepted international principles such as fair and equitable treatment that encourage investors to litigate intellectual property through Investor State Dispute Settlement
Trump's trade war has only just begun and while Australia has been right to steer clear of retaliation, it may deliver some scope in abandoning the worst aspects of our free trade agreements.
While the Thailand - EFTA agreemnts avoids TRIPS-plus measures that would directly impact medicine access and the universal healthcare system, Thai CSOs group remain concerns regarding border measures and intellectual property enforcement.
FTA Watch representatives warned that stricter IP rules in a potential EU FTA could impact access to medicines, increase healthcare costs, and harm Thailand's domestic pharmaceutical industry. They also highlighted concerns about EU demands regarding government procurement, plant variety protection (UPOV 1991), and import of remanufactured goods.
The UK has an opportunity to lead by example, removing UPOV91 provisions from trade deals and redirecting development assistance toward farmer-led initiatives.
Civil society and non-government organizations in Thailand oppose the provisions proposed by the EU that will have a vast and adverse impact on access to medicines, universal health coverage scheme, agriculture, food sovereignty, consumer protection, and livelihoods of Thai people.
Thai civil society groups, including FTA Watch and the Thai Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Key issues include stricter intellectual property rights, which could impact access to affordable medicines, and potential threats to food security and public health. The groups are urging the Thai government to prioritize public health and environmental concerns over corporate interests.
How trade deals are undermining the right to seeds.
The enhanced agreement would further protect some US cheeses from losing access once the European Union’s geographical indications commitments enter into force.
