RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONIP/Q/BLZ/1
IP/Q2/BLZ/1
IP/Q3/BLZ/1
IP/Q4/BLZ/1
28 September 2000
(00-3921)
Council for Trade-Related Aspects
of Intellectual Property RightsOriginal:  English
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION
BELIZE1
The present document reproduces the introductory statement made by the delegation of
Belize, the questions put to it and the responses gi ven in connection with the review of legislation
undertaken at the Council's meeting of 26-29 June 2000.2
_______________
I. INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
Belize received questions from four delegations;  the United States;  Canada;  Japan and the
European Communities.  Belize has presented responses to these questions.
When Belize signed to the WTO Agreement, the legislation on the statute books was very old
dating back to the colonial era.  It was therefore felt necessary to begin afresh and draft new pieces of
legislation.  Accordingly, six pieces of legislation were prepared and were passed early this year by
the Belizean Parliament.  The main dedicated intellectual property rights legislation, which was
submitted to the WTO, is as follows:  the Copyright Act 2000, the Patents Act 2000, the Industrial
Designs Act 2000, the Trade Marks Act 2000, the Pr otection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) of
Integrated-Circuits Act 2000 and the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2000.  We initially
submitted these copies of our laws to the WTO Secretariat, together with responses to the Checklist of
Issues on Enforcement, in draft form and I am happy to say that they were later passed by our
Parliament without any amendments.
A. COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS
Although it is entitled the Copyright Act, the Act actually addresses issues of copyright and
the issues related to neighbouring or related rights.  The Law is mostly self-contained in that it
provides administrative procedures necessary to enforcement copyrights.  It provides the civil
remedies.  It provides certain conservatory oral provisional measures which a copyright holder maytake upon infringement.  It also has detailed provisions relating to the imposition of sanctions and
issues of cross-border agreements.  I might add here that Belize is a member of the Berne Convention
on the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.  Currently, Belize is examining the feasibility of
becoming a member of the WIPO Copyright Trea ty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms
Treaty, both of 1996.  The Governmental Agency of Belize responsible for matters related to
                                                     
1 As regards laws and regulations notified by Belize under Article 63.2 of the Agreement, reference is
made to documents IP/N/1/BLZ/1, IP/N/1/BLZ/C/1, IP/N/1/BLZ/D/1, IP/N/1/BLZ/L/1, IP/N/1/BLZ/P/1 and 2,IP/N/1/BLZ/T/1 and IP/N/6/BLZ/1.
2 The minutes of this meeting have been circulated as document IP/C/M/27.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 2
intellectual property rights is the Ministry of the Attorney General and this ministry is responsible
among other things for the preparation of IP-related legislation, the formulation of policy measures
related to the IP area and the coordination of activities between other governmental agencies
interested in IP issues and non-governmental organizations.
B. TRADEMARKS
The Trade Marks Act of Belize ensures Belize's compliance with the TRIPS Agreement.  The
Act's provisions give effect to the provisions of the International Convention for the Protection of
Industrial Property (the Paris Convention), as last revised.  It also has a schedule-making provision for
the protection of geographical indications.
C. PATENTS
The Patents Act of Belize contains provisions which ensure and complies with the TRIPS
requirements.  Basically, the Act which was passed this year provides what is patentable
subject-matter, the term of protection, the revocation of the patent, the circumstances under which the
rights of the patent may be revoked, the remedies available upon infringement and certain exceptionswhich may be taken in the national interest.  The Intellectual Property Office is responsible for the
administration of this Act.  Basically, the Intellectual Property Office is based in the Ministry of the
Attorney General and it is responsible not only for administering the Patents Act but also the Trade
Marks Act, the Protection of Layout-Designs Act and the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act.
D. P
LANT VARIETIES
Belize opted to use a sui generis system for the protection of new plant varieties and as a
result, the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act was enacted basically following some of the
suggestions which were contained in the model legislation prepared by UPOV, with certain
modifications, however, to meet the unique circumstances of Belize, in order to adequately addressthe concerns of our people in this critical area.
E. C
ONCLUDING REMARK
I might add by way of conclusion, that each of the laws notified by Belize contains a general
clause or general provision which provides that in cases of inconsistency between the provisions of
each individual Act and the provision of a treaty to which Belize is a party, the provision of the treaty
will prevail over the provision of the national legislation.  This, it is hoped, will enhance the positionof Belize in the international trading system.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 3
II. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS POSED BY CANADA
1. Please describe the way that the enforcemen t of intellectual property rights has been
implemented (Articles 41-61).
See Belize's responses to the Checklist of Issues on Enforcement (d ocument IP/N/6/BLZ/1).
2. What protection does your copyright legislation afford to foreign works?
Section 143 provides as follows:
"143. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), the Minister may by Order published in
the Gazette provide that, in relation to any provisions specified in the Order, any of the
provisions of this Act so specified shall apply:
(a) in relation to persons who, at a material time, are citizens of Belize;
(b) in relation to persons who, at a material time, are domiciled or resident in that
country, as they apply in relation to persons who, at such a time, are domiciled or
resident in Belize;
(c) in relation to literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works, sound recordings, films or
editions first published in that country, as they apply in relation to literary, dramatic,
musical or artistic works, sound recordings, films or editions first published in Belize;
(d) in relation to broadcasts made or cable programmes sent from places in that country
by persons permitted or authorized by or under the laws of that country to make thosebroadcasts or send those cable programmes, as they apply in relation to broadcasts
made or cable programmes sent from places in Belize by persons permitted or
authorized by or under the laws of Belize to make those broadcasts or send those
cable programmes.
(2) An Order made under this section applying any provisions of this Act in relation to
any country other than Belize may apply those provisions:
(a) without exception or modification or subject to such exceptions and modifications as
may be specified in the Order;
(b) generally or in relation to such classes of works or specified.(3) An Order shall not be made under this section applying any provisions of this Act in
relation to any country which is not a party to a Convention relating to copyright or to the
rights of performers or of the producers of phonograms to which Belize is also a party, unless
the Minister is satisfied that in respect of the class of works which those provisions relate,provision has been or will be made under the laws of that country whereby adequate
protection will be given to owners of copyright or rights in performances conferred by this
Act."IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 4
III. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS POSED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND
THEIR MEMBER STATES
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS .
1. Please describe if your legislation includes measures necessary to protect public health
and nutrition, and to promote the public interest in sectors of vital importance to your
socio-economic and technological development as mentioned under Article 8 of the TRIPS
Agreement.  If yes, please explain how such measures are consistent with the provisions of the
TRIPS Agreement.
(i) See section 35 of the Patents Act, section 12 of the Patents Act.  For compliance with
provisions of the TRIPS Agreement, compare the provisions of section 35 of thePatents Act with the provisions of Article 31 of the TRIPS Agreement, and section 12
of the Patents Act with Article 27.3 of the TRIPS Agreement.
(ii) See section 17 of the Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies) Act.
(iii) See section 35(4), 35(3)(a) of the Trade Marks Act.
(iv) See sections 56-85, 124-134 of the Copyright Act.
B. C
OPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS
2. Please state how your legislation provides for the protection of the exclusive rights of
authors in relation to their literary and artistic works as specified in Article 9 of the TRIPS
Agreement which requires Members to comply with  Articles 1-21 of the Berne Convention and
the Appendix to the B erne Convention (1971).
See the definition of the expression "author", "artistic work", "literary work" in section 3(1) of
the Copyright Act.  Protection is given under section 7(1) of the Copyright Act.
3. Please describe the protection accorded to authors of computer programs, databases or
compilations of data.
See the definitions of the expressions "comput er programs", "computer-generated work" and
"literary work" in section 3(1) of the Copyright Act.  Protection is given under section 7(1)(a) of theCopyright Act.
4. Please state whether your legislation provides for a rental right and if so, the works to
which it applies.
Please see the definition of the word "rental" in the section 3(1) of the Copyright Act.  The
exclusive rights flowing to the author is provided in section 9(1)(b) as read with 9(2)(b) of the
Copyright Act.
5. Please describe the rights granted to performers, producers of phonograms (sound
recordings) and broadcasting organizations under your legislation,
See the definitions of "performer", "a broadcast" and "to broadcast" in section 3(1) of the
Copyright Act.  See also paragraph (g) of the defini tion of "author" in section 3(1) of the Copyright
Act.  See further sections 7(1)(b), 8(5), 12, 108, 109, 110, 111, (performers' rights), 112, 113, and 114(producers' rights).IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 5
6. Please state whether your legislation provides  for any limitation or exception in relation
to each of the rights described above in acco rdance with the relevant provisions of the Berne
and Rome Conventions and in the light of Articles 13 and 14.6 of the TRIPS Agreement.
See Part VI (Exceptions to infringement of copyright), sections 55-85.  See further Part VIII
(Exceptions to infringement of Rights in Performances), sections 124-134.
7. Please state the term of protection of each right described above and the work or
subject-matter, to which it applies.
See sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and 115.
8. Please State how your legislation grants the retroactive protection provided pursuant to
Article 18 of the Berne Convention (which obligation derives from Article 9 of the TRIPS
Agreement) and Article 14.6 of the TRIPS Agreement.
None.
C. TRADEMARKS
9. Please give the definition of a sign under your national legislation and explain under
which conditions it is protectable.
See the definitions of "trade mark", "certification mark", and "collective mark" under
section 2(1) of the Trade Marks Act.  See also secti on 2(2) of the Trade Marks Act.  To be registered a
trademark must be distinctive and non-deceptive, among other things (see sections 35, 36 and 37).
10. Please confirm whether or not services are a protectable subject matter in your
trademark law.  Please, confirm if signs such as trade names are protectable.  Please, describe if
elements such as sound, perfumes and container are protectable.
Yes, services are protectable.  See the definitions of "trade mark", "certification mark" and
"collective mark" in section 2(1) of the Trade Marks Act as read with section 2(2) of the Trade MarksAct.  The definition of "trademark" is non-exhaustive.  As long as a sign is capable of being
represented graphically to distinguish goods or services of one undertaking from goods or services of
a competitor, it will be protected regardless of whether it is a sound mark, container or a perfume
name.  Note, however, the provisions of section 35.
11. Please explain what the requirements of use are, if any, as a condition for a trademark
registration.  Please, explain the definition of use and the conditions of maintenance of a
registration in that respect.
The requirements as to use must be in respect of a "trade" as defined in section 2(1) of the
Trade Marks Act.  Non-use for a period of five years may lead to revocation of the mark.(section 46(1)(a) and (b)).  The definition of "use" of a trademark is provided in section 46(2).  Note,
however, the provisions of section 46(3).  See also section 48 on the legal effect of acquiescing to the
use of a trademark in Belize.
In respect of "use" as a precondition to registration, see section 35(4).
12. Please confirm whether or not your legislation permits that the registration of
trademarks be indefinitely renewable.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 6
For duration of trademark registration (i.e. a pe riod of ten years), see section 20(1).  Renewal
periods are for further ten-year periods in accordance with section 21.  Such ten-year renewal periods
will be for an indefinite period.
13. Please describe the special requirements, if any, prescribed by your legislation
concerning the use of a trademark.
Legislation prescriptions limiting the use of a trademark in Belize are specified in section 26
of the Trade Marks Act.  Additionally, provision is made in section 27 for the "exhaustion" of the
rights of a proprietor in certain specified circumstances.  Further, use of a trademark in Belize may belimited by a disclaimer as provided in section 28.
D. G
EOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
14. Please explain whether or not your trademark registration authority refuses a
trademark application if it contains a geographical indication.
No.  See definitions of "trademark", "collective mark" and "certification mark" in section 2(1)
as read with section 2(2).  See further section 35(1)(c) as read with the proviso to section 35(1) of the
Trade Marks Act.
15. Please give the definition of a geographical indication in your legislation.
See definition of "certification mark" and "collective mark" in section 2(1) of the Trade
Marks Act.  See further paragraph 3 of the First and Second Schedules.
16. Please describe and explain the provisions of your legislation establishing a link, if any,
between the characteristics of an indication and its geographical origin.
Pursuant to paragraph 3(1) of both the First and Second Schedules, the indication must serve,
in trade, to designate the geographical origin of the goods and services.
17. Please describe whether or not additional protection is granted by your legislation to
wines and spirits and if such protection is granted, please describe.  Please mention other types
of products, if any, covered by this additional protection.
Additional protection for wines and spirits as provided for under the TRIPS Agreement will
be provided in Regulations to be filed with the Registrar pursuant to paragraph 5 of the First Scheduleand paragraph 6 of the Second Schedule.  Other types of products to be afforded additional protection
will likewise be specified in the same Regulations.
18. Please explain how exceptions under Article 24 of the TRIPS Agreement are used in
your jurisdiction.  Please, provide examples of the use of the exceptions by courts or lists of
names considered as generic in your jurisdiction.
Pursuant to Article 24.6 of the TRIPS Agreement, Belize will not register or recognize a
trademark which has lost its capability to distinguish goods or services of one undertaking from
similar goods or services of other undertakings, especially where the public had adopted and usedsuch mark, not as a trademark, but as the general name of the class of goods or services,
e.g. ASPIRIN.  Also, trademarks which become generic before application for their registration in
Belize is made will not be eligible for registration because they will not be capable of fulfilling the
"distinguishing" criteria.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 7
 
At present, there is not list of examples of names considered "generic" in Belize, because the
Trade Marks Act of Belize was enacted in June 2000 and has not yet been the subject of litigation
before the courts.
E. INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS
19. Please explain whether or not your legislat ion extends the protection to designs dictated
essentially by technical or functional considerations.  Please, explain how textile designs are
protected.
Protection of industrial designs dictated essentially by functional considerations:  see the
definition of "industrial design" in section 2 of the Industrial Designs Act.  For the protection of
textile designs, see section 10(1), (2) and (3), but note the provisions of section 10(4).
20. Please explain how your legislation protects right holders of a design against importing
of articles bearing embodied or copied design.
See section 10(2), which prohibits the importation of any article into Belize embodying the
industrial design without the authority of the righ t holder.  Where importation takes place, the right
holder is empowered under section 24(2)(d) to apply to the Supreme Court for an Order specified
thereunder in order to arrest the importation.  Additionally, section 24(2)(c) enables the design holderto apply for an injunction to prevent further infringement.
21. Please mention whether or not your legislation provides for the right to issue a
compulsory licensing for industrial designs.
The area of industrial designs in Belize is governed by the Industrial Designs Act (No. 13 of
2000).  Section 16 of this Act provides for "licence contracts", which are voluntary..
22. Please indicate for which period of time your legislation grants protection for industrial
designs.
Duration of an industrial design under the Act is five years from the filing date of the
application for registration but may be renewed for two further consecutive periods of five years.  See
section 11(1).
F. P
ATENTS
23. Please describe how your legislation defines the notions of:  novelty, inventiveness and
industrial application.
Description of novelty – see section 9 of the Patents Act.  Description of inventiveness – see
section 10 of the Patents Act.  Description of industrial application – see section 11.
In short, by "novelty" is meant that the invention must never have been made before, carried
out before or used before.  By "inventiveness" is meant that the invention must be enough of an
advancement to be considered "non-obvious" by a person having ordinary skill in the art of the
invention.  By "industrial application" is meant that the invention must be able to be used on a certain
scale in practice.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 8
24. Please explain whether or not in your legislat ion, patent or, otherwise, patent rights are
enjoyed without any exclusions.  If exclusions a re provided for, please describe in detail how
these exclusions are applied in legal as well as practical terms.
Patent rights are not enjoyable without exclusions.  Exclusions are provided in section 12
("Matters excluded from patent protection") which include:
(a) discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods;(b) schemes, rules or methods of doing business;
(c) methods for the treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy, as well
as diagnostic methods practised on the human or animal body.
Also, under section 12(3) inventions may be excluded from patentability on the grounds of
public order or morality, including to protect human, animal or plant life or health or to avoid seriousprejudice to the environment.  See also section 35.
25. Please explain whether your legislation prov ides for the exclusion of inventions from
patentability based on ordre public  or morality.  If so, please explain the relevant section of your
legislation and explain its formulation.  Please, also explain if it has been applied in practice.
Exclusion on the grounds of ordre public or morality – see section 12(3) of the Patents Act.
For the formulation, see that even though the grant of a patent is prohibited by law in Belize, that
per se  shall not constitute the ground of refusal, but should be considered within the wider context of
issues of public order, morality, protection of the environment, human, plant and animal life, etc.This provision has not yet been applied in practice.
26. Please explain whether or not diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical methods are excluded
from patentability in your legislation.  If so, please explain the relevant section of your
legislation and explain its formulation.
See section 12(1)(c) of the Patents Act as read with 12(2).  See also 9(4) of the Patents Act.
27. Please explain whether or not plants, anim als and essentially, biological processes are
excluded from patentability in your legislation.  If so, please explain the relevant section of your
legislation and explain its formulation.
See section 12(1)(c) of the Patents Act as read with 12(2).
28. Please describe how micro-organisms, non-essentially biological processes,
microbiological processes and plant varieties are pr otected in your legislation.  Please explain in
this respect the relevant sections of your legislation.
These processes are protected under a complete Act "the Protection of New Plant Varieties
Act".  This Act also has an impact on Question 26 and 27 above.
29. Please explain how your legislation protects  patent right holders against importing and
against offering for sale of a patented invention.
See section 33(1) and 33(2)(a)(i) ("importation") ("sale").  For enforcement provisions, refer
to the patent portion of Belize’s answers to the Checklist of Issues on Enforcement
(document IP/N/6/BLZ/1).IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 9
30. Please inform if your legislation provides for patent product protection of
pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical produc ts.  If your response is in the affirmative,
please indicate the legal reference.
See section 9(4), which addresses the issue of pharmaceutical products.
31. Please clarify if the patent protection of a process, as provided for in your legislation,
covers the product obtained directly by that process.
See section 33(2)(a) and especially 33(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Patents Act.
32. Please explain the additional conditions, if any, in your legislation other than the
sufficient disclosure of the invention in Articl e 29 of the TRIPS Agreement (e.g. submission of
justification for access to genetic material or prio r inform consent to its use).  If such additional
conditions exist, please point out the relevant legislations and describe the additional conditionsin detail.
See sections 17, 21 ("right of priority") and 23 of the Patents Act.  In respect of genetic plant
materials, see the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act.
33. Please describe if your legislation provides for limited exceptions to the exclusive rights
conferred by a patent.  If your response is in the affirmative, please make a reference to relevant
legislation.
For the exceptions to the exclusive rights in a patent, see section 35 and section 38.
34. Please explain whether or not your legislatio n provides for compulsory licensing.  If so,
please explain in detail the conditions under which a compulsory licence may be granted.  In
particular, please explain how your national le gislation considers individual merits in the
authorization of such use.
Yes, the Patents Act of Belize provides for compulsory licensing, - see section 38.
35. Please explain how your legislation explicitly ensures that a proposed user has made
efforts to obtain authorization from the righ t holder on reasonable commercial terms and
conditions and that such efforts have not been successful within a reasonable period of time.  In
this context, how do you define "reasonable period of time".  Please also explain how yourlegislation ensures that the use of a compulsory  licence shall be author ized predominantly for
the supply of the domestic market of the Member authorizing such use.
See section 35(1)(b), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7),  (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12).  Reasonableness, in
countries following the common law tradition, is a concept determined objectively by a court or theMinister on a case-by-case basis, hence the higher protection to semi-conductor technology in 35(6).
36. Please mention if your legislation grants additional protection for innovations after the
20 years of patent protection has lapsed.
For the 20 year duration period of a patent, see section 28(1).  No additional protection is
offered beyond the 20 year protection period.
37. Please explain how your legislation provide s for the enhanced patent protection of
patents or patent applications pending on 1 January 1995.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 10
This enhanced patent protection is provided for under section 72.
38. Please explain how your legislation provides for the reversal of the burden of proof in
relation to process patents.
For the reversal of the burden of proof in relation to process applications, see section 41(7)(a).
G. LAYOUT -DESIGNS (TOPOGRAPHIES ) OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS .
39. Please describe how your legislation protects topographies.
Layout designs are protected in Belize by the Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) of
Integrated Circuits Act (No. 15 of 2000).  A copy of this Act was deposited with the WTO Secretariat
in document IP/N/1/BLZ/L/1.
40. Please explain what protection your national  legislation grants to right holders against
the unlawful importation, sale or distribution for commercial purposes of topographies
including integrated circuits or other articles in which a topography is incorporated in
accordance with Article 36 of the TRIPS Agreement.
See section 6(2) as read with section 24.
41. Please explain how your legislation provi des for the derogation from Article 36 as
specified in Article 37 of the TRIPS Agreement where a person has no knowledge or reasonable
grounds to know when acquiring an integrated circuit or an article incorporating such an
integrated circuit that it contains an unlawful topography.
See section 6(3)(d) of the Act.
42. Please state the term of protection granted by your legislation to topographies.
See section 7.  Protection is for ten years.
H. PROTECTION OF UNDISCLOSED INFORMATION
43. Please explain whether or not your legislatio n grants a defined period of time for the
protection of undisclosed information.  If so, please give the time span.
No.
44. Please explain how your legislation defines "undisclosed information".
None.
45. Please explain how your legislation de fines data submitted to governments or
governmental agencies.
None.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 11
I. ENFORCEMENT
46. See the Checklist of Issues on Enforcement (document IP/C/5).
See Belize's answers to the Checklist of I ssues on Enforcement (document IP/N/6/BLZ/1).
IV. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS POSED BY JAPAN
A. C OPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS
1. Please explain how the protection is provi ded for works, phonograms, performances and
broadcasts from other WTO Members under the Law on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
of Belize (hereinafter referred to as "Copyr ight and Neighbouring Rights Law").  Please
describe the provisions of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law which provide for thenational treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment as required by Articles 3 and 4 of the
TRIPS Agreement as well as Article 9.1 of the Ag reement which incorporates Article 5(1) of the
Berne Convention.
Section 143 provides as follows:
"143.(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), the Minister may by Order published in
the Gazette provide that, in relation to any country specified in the Order, any of the
provisions of this Act so specified shall apply:
(a) in relation to persons who, at a material time, are  citizens or subjects of that country,
as they apply in relation to persons who, at such a time, ire citizens of Belize;
(b) in relation to persons who, at a material time, are domiciled or resident in that
country, as they apply in relation to persons who, at such a time, are domiciled or
resident in Belize;
(c) in relation to literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works,  sound recordings, films or
editions first published in that country, as they apply in relation to literary, dramatic,
musical or artistic works, sound recordings, films or editions first published in Belize;
 (d) in relation to bodies incorporated by or under the laws of that country, as they apply
in relation to bodies incorporated by or under the laws of Belize;
(e) in relation to broadcasts made or cable programmes sent from, places in that country
by persons permitted or authorized or under the laws of that country to make those
broadcasts or send those cable programmes, as they apply in relation to broadcasts
made or cable programmes sent from places in Belize by persons permitted orauthorized by or those broadcasts or send those cable programmes.
(2) An Order made under this section applying any provisions of this Act in relation to
any country other than Belize may apply those provisions:
(a) without exception or modification or subject to such exceptions and modifications as
may be specified in the Order;
(b) generally or in relation to such classes of works or such other classes or cases, as may
be so specified.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 12
(3) An Order shall not be made under this section applying any provisions of this Act in
relation to any country which is not a party to a Convention relating to copyright or to the
rights of performers or of the producers of phonograms to which Belize is also a party, unlessthe Minister is satisfied that in respect of the class of works which those provisions relate,
provision has been or will be made under the laws of that country whereby adequate
protection will be given to owners of copyright or rights in performances conferred by this
Act."
2. Please explain exceptions or exemptions of the national treatment and most-favoured-
nation treatment under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law, if any, as permitted inArticles 3 and 4 of the TRIPS Agreement.
None.
3. Please explain whether and how Belize provides retroactive protection to works,
phonograms, performances from other WTO Members, as required by Articles 9.1, 14.6 and70.2 of the TRIPS Agreement which apply, mutatis mutandis , Article 18 of the Berne
Convention.  Please indicate the date to which su ch protection extends back with respect to each
category of subject-matter.
Belize does not provide retroactive protection to works, phonograms, performances from
other WTO Members.  See section 148, which provides that "No copyright or right in the nature ofcopyright shall subsist otherwise than by virtue of this Act or some other enactment in that behalf",
thus giving the right to copyright protection in Belize a prospective character.
4. Please explain whether protection of "computer programs" under the Copyright and
Neighbouring Rights Law covers computer programs in both source and object code, asrequired by Article 10.1 of the TRIPS Agreement.  Are those computer programs protected as
literary works in accordance with Ar ticle 2(1) of the Berne Convention?
Yes, protection of copyright in computer programs extends to both the source and as object
code as required under Article 10.7 of the TRIPS Agreement.  Section 3(1) of the Copyright Act
defines a "computer program" as a set of instructions, whether expressed in words or in schematic or
other form, which is capable, when incorporated in a machine readable medium, of causing an
electronic or other device having information processing capabilities to indicate, perform or achieve aparticular function, task or result".  Those works are protected as literary works pursuant to Article 2.1
of the Berne Convention, since section 3(1) of the Copyright Act defines a literary work as "any work,
other than a dramatic or musical work, which is wr itten, spoken or sung, and accordingly includes:
(a) a written table or compilation;(b) a computer program."Section 7(1)(a) declares that copyright subsists under the Act to original literary works.
5. Please clarify whether "database" under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law
includes compilation of data in machine-readab le form.  Please explain how the Law complies
with Article 10.2 of the TRIPS Agreement in this respect.
See the answer to section 4 above.  The definition. of "computer programs" by its very nature,
includes "databases" or compilations of data or other instructions or tables, whether expressed inIP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 13
words or in a schematic or other form.  The protection afforded extends to the data or other material
itself as well as to the rights in the data.  (See section 7(1)).
B. E NFORCEMENT
6. Please indicate the remedies which the judi cial authorities order regarding intellectual
property rights, including injunctions, damages, expenses, destruction or disposal of infringing
goods, materials or implements for their producti on.  Please explain the criteria for and the way
of calculation to decide the amount of the damages which judicial authorities order to the
person who infringes intell ectual property rights to pay to the right holder.
The enforcement provisions found in the Copyright Act and other IPR laws may be divided
into the following categories:  (i) conservatory or provisional measures;  (ii) civil remedies;(iii) criminal sanctions;  (iv) cross-border measures;  and (v) remedies and sanctions against abuses in
respect of technical devices (decoding instruments in respect of encrypted television broadcasts).
Conservatory or provisional measures:
These have two purposes:  First, to prevent an  infringement from occurring, particularly to
prevent the entry of the infringing goods into the channels of commerce, including entry of imported
goods after clearance by customs, and second, to preserve relevant evidence in regard to an alleged
infringement.  The most effective conservatory measure under the Belize Copyright Act calls for a
search of an alleged infringer's premises without notice, and seizure of suspected infringing goods, theequipment used to manufacture them, and all relevant documents and other record's of the alleged
infringing business activities.  See sections 37, 38 to 40, 46-54, 118-123, and 135-139 of the
Copyright Act.
Civil remedies:
The purpose of civil remedies under the Belize Copyright Act is to compensate the owner of
rights for economic rights suffered because of infringement, in the form of monetary damages,
thereby creating an effective deterrent to further in fringement.  Civil remedies usually also take the
form of a judicial order to destroy the infringing goods and the instruments used to produce them
where there is a danger that the infringing acts may continue.  Also, courts are allowed to issue
injunctions, failure to comply with which would re sult in the commission of a criminal offence. See
sections 32-46, 118-120 of the Copyright Act.
7. Please explain the kind and amounts of crim inal penalties including imprisonment and
fines regarding intellectual property rights.  In  particular, are the crimes persecuted only when
the injured party has made a formal accusation?  Please also explain whether penalties areconsistent with Article 61 of the TRIPS Agreement which requires the penalties to be sufficient
to provide a deterrent, consistently with the level of penalties applied for crimes of a
corresponding gravity.
Criminal sanctions:
(a) Copyright Act.
The following sections in the Belize Copyright Act specify the offences and penalties in
respect of dealings which infringe copyright:
Section 52 provides as follows:IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 14
"52(1) Any person who, without the licence of the copyright owner, at a time when copyright
in a work subsists by virtue of this Act:
(a) makes for sale or hire;  or(b) in the course of a business sells or lets for hire, or offers or exposes for sale or hire,
exhibits in public or distributes;  or
(c) imports into Belize for purposes other than his private and domestic use;  or(d) distributes otherwise than in the course of a business to such an extent as to affect
prejudicially the owner of the copyright;  or
(e) possesses in the course of business with a view to committing any act infringing the
copyright,
any article which he knows or has reason to believe is an infringing copy of that work,
commits an offence.
(2) Any person who, at the time when copyright subsists in a work by virtue of this Act
makes or has in his possession an article  specifically designed or adapted for making copies
of a particular protected work, knowing that it is  to be used for making infringing copies for
sale or hire or for use in the course of business, commits an offence.
(3) Any person who causes:
(a) a literary, dramatic or musical work to be performed in public;  or
(b) a sound recording or film to be played, or as the case may be, shown in
public;
(otherwise than by reception of a broadcast or cable programme) knowing or having reason to
believe that copyright subsists in the work or that the performance constitutes an infringement
of the copyright, commits an offence.
(4) Any person who is guilty of an offence under sub-section (1) shall be liable on
summary conviction, in the case of a first conviction, to a fine not exceeding one thousand
dollars for each article to which the offence related, and in the case of any subsequentconviction, to a fine not exceeding one thousand five hundred:  dollars for each such article,
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months.
(5) Any person who is guilty of an offence under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) shall
be liable on summary conviction in the case of a first conviction, to a fine not exceeding fivethousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five thousand dollars or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."
Section 121 provides as follows:
"121.(1)  A person commits an offence who without sufficient criminal ability for making,
etc. recordings:
(a) makes for sale or hire;  orIP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 15
(b) imports into Belize otherwise than for his private or domestic use;  or
(c) possesses in the course of a business with  a view to committing any act infringing the
right's conferred by this Part;  or
(d) in the course of a business:
(i) sells or lets for hire;  or(ii) offers or exposes for sale or hire;  or
(iii) distributes,
a recording which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe is, an illicit recording.(2) A person commits an offence who causes a recording of a performance made without
sufficient consent to be:
(a) shown or played in public;  or(b) broadcast or included in a table programme service,thereby infringing any of the rights conferred by this part,  if he knows or has reason to believe
that those rights are thereby infringed.
(3) In sub-sections (1) and (2) "sufficient consent" means:(a) in the case of a qualifying performance, the consent of the performer;  and(b) in the case of a non-qualifying performance subject to an exclusive recording
contract:
(i) for the purpose of paragraph (a) of sub-section (1), the consent of the
performer or the person having recording rights;  and
(ii) for the purposes of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of sub-section (2), the consent
of the person having recording rights;
(c) whether a work was published or otherwise dealt with in the lifetime of a person,
any unauthorized publication or the doing of any other unauthorized act shall be disregarded.(7) A publication or other act shall for the purposes of sub-section (6), be taken to have
been unauthorized if, but only if:
(b) Industrial Designs Act, 2000.
Section 24(5) provides that any person who intentionally performs an act which constitutes an
infringement of an industrial design commits an offence and is liable to a fine of five thousand dollars
or to imprisonment for five years.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 16
(c) Patents Act, 2000.
Section 64 provides as follows:
"64. Any person who intentionally or wilfully performs any which constitutes an infringement
as defined under section 40 commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than fifteen
thousand dollars but not more than forty thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term of
not less than five years but not more than twelve years, or to both such fine and such
imprisonment.
(2) Any person who, knowing the same to be false:(a) makes or causes to be made a false entry in the Register;(b) makes or causes to be made any document falsely purporting to be a copy of an entry
in the Register;  or
(c) produces, tenders or causes to be produced or tendered as evidence any such entry or
copy thereof, commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than ten thousand
dollars, but not more than thirty thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for not less than
three years, but not more than ten years, or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(3) Any person who, knowing the same to be false, makes a false statement or
representation that:
(a) a patent or utility model certificate has been granted to him or to any other person in
respect of any invention;  or
(b) he has been granted an exclusive or non-voluntary licence to use any patent or utility
model certificate,
which statement or representation induces another person to act thereon, commits an offence
and is liable to a fine of not less than five thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term notless than two years, but not more than five years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(4) Any person who falsely represents that anything disposed of him for value is a
patented product or process shall, subject to sub-sections (5) to (7), commit an offence and be
liable to a fine of not less than four thousand dollars, but not more than ten thousand dollars.
(5) For the purposes of sub-section (4), a person who for value disposes of an article
having stamped, engraved or impressed on it or otherwise applied to it the word "patent" or
"patented" or anything expressing or implying that the article is a patented product, shall be
taken to represent that the article is a patented product.
(6) Sub-section (4) shall not apply where the representation is made in respect of a
product after the patent for that product or, as the case may be, the process in question has
expired or been invalidated and before the end of a period which is reasonably sufficient to
enable the accused to take steps to ensure that the representation is not made (or does notcontinue to be made).
(7) In proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be defence for the accused to
prove that he used due  diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
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(8) Any person who represents that a patent has been applied for in respect of any article
disposed of for value by him, and;
(a) no such application has been made;  or(b) any such application has been refused or withdrawn,
commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less that four thousand dollars, but not more
than ten thousand dollars."
(d) Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) Act, 2000.
Section 25 provides as follows:"25.(1) Any person who performs an act which is unlawful under section 6 commits an
offence and is liable to a fine not less than fifteen thousand dollars, but not more than fortythousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years, but not more than
ten years.
(2) Any such person who, knowing the same to be false:
(a) makes or causes or causes to be made a false entry in the Register;
(b) makes or causes to be made any document falsely purporting to be a copy of an entry
in the Register;  or
(c) produces, tenders or causes to be produced in evidence any such entry or copy
thereof,
commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars, but not more
than thirty thousand dollars, or:  to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years, but
not more than ten years, or to both such fine and such imprisonment."
(e) Plant Varieties Act, 2000.
 Section 45 provides as follows:
"45.(1) Any person who wilfully offers for sale or markets propagating material of a variety
protected in Belize or a denomination likely to cause confusion therewith, or another variety
of the same botanical or a related species commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less
than five thousand dollars but not more than fifteen thousand dollars.
(2) Any person who wilfully makes use of the registered variety denomination of a variety
protected in Belize or a denomination likely to cause confusion there with, or another variety
of the same botanical or a related species commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less
than five thousand dollars but more than fifteen thousand dollars."
(f) Trade Marks Act, 2000.
Sections 75, 76 and 77 provide as follows:"75.(1) A person commits an offence who with a view to gain for himself or another, or with
intent to cause a loss another, and without the consent of the proprietor:IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 18
(a) applies to goods or their packaging a sign identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, a
registered trademark;  or
(b) sells or lets for hire, offers or exposes for sale or hire or distributed goods which bear,
or the packaging of which bears, such a sign;  or
(c) has in his possession, custody or control in the course, of a business any such goods
with a view to the doing of anything, by himself or another, which would be an
offence under paragraph (b) above.
(2) A person commits an offence who with a vi ew to gain for himself or another, or with
intent to cause loss to another, and without the consent of the proprietor:
(a) applies a sign  identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, a registered trademark; to
material intended to be used:
(i) for labeling or packaging goods;(ii) as a business paper in relation to goods;
(iii) for advertising goods;  or
(b) uses in the course of a business material bearing such a sign for labeling or packaging
goods, as a business par in relation to goods, or for advertising goods;  or
(c) has in his possession, custody or control in the course of a business any such material
with a view to the doing of anything by  himself or another, which would be an
offence under paragraph (b).
(3) A person commits an offence who with a vi ew to gain for himself or another, or with
intent to cause loss to another, and without the consent of the proprietor:
(a) makes an article specifically designed or adapted for making copies of a sign identical
to, or likely to be mistaken for, a registered trademark;  or
(b) has such an article in his possession, custody or control in the course of a business,
knowing or having reason to believe that it has been, or is to be, used to  produce
goods, material for labeling or packaging goods, as a business paper in relation to
goods, or for advertising goods.
(4) A person does not commit an offence under this section unless:
(a) the goods are goods in respect of which the trademark is registered;   or the sign takes
or would take unfair advantage of, or is or would be detrimental to, the distinctive
character or the repute of the trademark.
(5) It is defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to show that he
believed on reasonable grounds that the use of the sign in the manner in which it was used, or
was to be used, was not an infringement of the registered trademark.
(6) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a
fine not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding andIP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 19
where the offence continues after the first ten years, convention, to a further fine of one
hundred dollars for every day such offence continues, or in default of payment of:  the fine to
imprisonment for a period of ten days for every day Such offence continues.
76.(1) It is an offence for person to make, or cause to be made, a false entry in the register of
trademarks, knowing or etc. having reason to believe that it is false.
(2) It is an offence for a  person:
(a) to make or cause to  be made anything falsely purporting to be a copy or an extract of
ancestry in the. register;  or
(b) to produce or tender or cause to be produced or tendered in evidence any such thing,
knowing or having reason to believe that it is false.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding: ten thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not
exceeding five years, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.
77.(1) It is an offence for a person:
(a) falsely to represent that a mark is a registered trademark;  or
(b) to make a false representation as to the goods or services for which a trademark is
registered.
(2) For the purpose of this section, the use in Belize in relation to a trademark:
(a) of the word "registered";  or(b) of any other word or symbol importing a reference (express or implied) to
registration, shall be deemed to be a representation as to registration under this Act
unless it is shown that the. reference is to registration elsewhere than in Belize andthat the trademark is in fact so registered for the goods or services in question.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding eight thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not
exceeding four years, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.
78.(1) Where an offence is committed under this Act by a body corporate , every person who
at the material time was a partnership.
Director, Manager, Secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or any person
purporting to an act in such capacity shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished
accordingly unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or
connivance, or that he tried to prevent the commission of the offence.
(2) Sub-section (1) shall mutatis mutandis , apply in respect of partners in a partnership
for offences committed by a partnership under this Act.
(3) A fine imposed on a partnership on its conviction under this Act shall be paid out of
the partnership assets."IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
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8. Please indicate titles of laws and regulations and their provisions in which the
suspension of the release of counterfeit tradem ark or pirated copyright goods is prescribed, as
stipulated in Article 51 of the TRIPS Agreement.  Please explain types of intellectual property
rights about which the suspension can be made upon application by a right holder.
Please see the Copyright Act of Belize (No. 12 of 2000) and the Trade Marks Act of Belize
(No. 17 of 2000) which provide for the suspension of counterfeit/pirated goods into the main channels
of commerce in Belize. Specifically, please refer to section 74 of the Trade Marks Act and section 51
of the Copyright Act.  Additionally, the Belizean legal system is based on the English common law,
and as such a proprietor of a trademark has available to him under the Belizean legal system the
common law remedy of passing-off, designed to prev ent a person from saying that his goods are those
of another person (i.e. designed to prevent counterfeiting).
V. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS POSED BY THE UNITED STATES
A. GENERAL
1. Please describe, in relation to each form of intellectual property covered by the TRIPS
Agreement, including plant variety protection, the manner in which national treatment and
most-favoured-nation treatment are provided to nationals of other WTO Members.
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000 Clause 143
(b) Patents Bill, 2000 Clause 54
(c) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 Clause 59(d) Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies)
Bill, 2000 Clause 27
(e) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 Clause 26(f) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 Clause 13
B. C
OPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS
2. Please explain whether and how the Belize copyright law complies with Article 9 of the
TRIPS Agreement requiring that Members comp ly with all Articles 1 through 21 of the
Berne Convention (1971), except Article 6 bis, since Members do not have rights or obligations
relating to the latter Article under the TRIPS Agreement.
The Belize copyright law complies with Ar ticle 9 of the TRIPS Agreement, requiring
compliance with Articles 1 through 21 of the Berne Convention (1971).  This is by virtue of the fact
that the Belize copyright law is based on a WIPO draft model legislation which conforms with
Articles 1 through 21 of the Berne Convention (1971).  In fact the Belize copyright law goes further
than Article 9 of the TRIPS Agreement because it also complies with Article 6 bis (moral rights) –
Part III (Copyright Bill, 2000).
3. Please explain how the Belize copyright law protects computer programs as literary
works and compilations of data as required by Article 10 of the TRIPS Agreement.
Clause 7 of the Copyright Bill, 2000 provides protection for original literary works.  Clause 3
of the Bill defines a literary work as including computer programs and compilations.  Clause 49(4)IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 21
also states that in computer programs shall be admissible in evidence and presumed to be correct
until the contrary is proved.
4. Article 11 of the TRIPS Agreement protects rental rights for computer programs and
cinematographic works.  Please cite the corr esponding provision of the Belize copyright law.
Clause 9(1)(b) as read with Clause 9(2)(b).
5. Please state the length and terms of protection the Belize copyright law provides for a
work other than a photographic work or a work of applied art and cite to the relevant provision
of law.
Clause 10.
6. Please explain what protection the Belize  copyright law provides for performers, and
provide the length and terms of the protection.
Part VIII of the Copyright Bill, 2000.
7. Article 14.2 of the TRIPS Agreement provides that producers of phonograms shall enjoy
the right to authorize or prohibit the direct  or indirect reproduction of their phonograms.
Article 14.2 requires that producers of phonograms have the right to authorize or prohibit the
commercial rental to the public of originals or copies of their phonograms.  Please clarify
whether and how the Belize copyright law implements these obligations.
Part II of the Copyright Bill, 2000.  Specifically, the provisions dealing with sound
recordings.
Part VIII - with regard to rental, the relevant provision is Clause 9(1)(b) as read with
Clause 9(2)(b).
C. TRADEMARKS
8. Please describe the subject-matter that can comprise a trademark under the Belize
trademark law.
Clause 2(1) defines a trademark as any sign capable of being represented graphically which is
capable of distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings and it
may, in particular, consist of letters, numerals or the shape of goods or their packaging.
Clause 2(2) states further that references to marks include references to a collective mark
indicating that the goods or services in connection with which it is used are certified by the proprietor
of the mark in respect of origin, materials, mode of manufacture of goods or performance of services,
and the provisions of this Act apply to certification marks subject to the provisions of the Second
Schedule.
9. Please describe the procedure that must be followed to register a trademark in Belize,
citing the provisions of the law under which such registration is provided, and describe the
rights that the owner of a registered mark.
The registration procedure is covered by Part III of the Trade Marks Bill, 2000.  Part III also
states the rights conferred by a registered trademark (Clause 24).IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
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10. Please explain whether the Belize trademark law provides for a means to publish a
trademark either before it is registered or promptly after it is registered, and whether the
trademark protection procedure otherwise complies with Article 15.5 of the TRIPS Agreement.
The Belize trademark law provides for the publication of an accepted application for
registration in the register and the Journal (Clause 16(1) Part III).
Clause 21(6) also provides for the publication of the renewal or restoration of the registration
of a trademark.
11. Please explain whether the Belize trademark law presumes a likelihood of confusion
where an identical mark  for identical goods and services is used without authorization on
identical goods or services as required.
Such situations are covered by Clause 25 (which deals with infringement of registered
trademark).
12. Please explain whether and how the Belize trademark law provides for the protection of
well-known trademarks and service marks, ci ting to the relevant provisions of law.
As can be noticed in the answer to question 8, protection is given to trademarks covering both
goods and services.
13. Please provide the length and terms of prot ection the Belize trademark law provides for
a trademark.
Clauses 20 and 21 of the Trade Marks Bill, 2000 provides for the duration of registration, the
renewal of registration and the terms for maintaining protection.
14. Please explain how the Belize trademark law comports with the use provision of
Article 19 of the TRIPS Agreement.
See Clause 12(3).
D. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
15. What provisions of Belize's law or regulations provide for the recognition of
geographical indications required by Articles 22.2 and 23.1 of the TRIPS Agreement?  Please
provide citations to those laws.
See the first Schedule (sections 2(1) and 57) and the Second Schedule (sections 2(1) and 58)
of the Trade Marks Bill, 2000.
16. In determining whether recognition should be given a geographical indication, what
criteria are considered?
See Clauses 12 and 15, and the First and Second Schedules.
17. Please describe the manner in which the higher level of protection required for wines
and spirits under Article 23.2 of the TRIPS Agreement is provided and provide examples of
such products and the law under which they are protectedIP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 23
The higher level of protection required for wines and spirits under Article 23.2 of the TRIPS
Agreement can be obtained under the Second Schedule to the Trade Marks Bill, 2000, which deals
with certification marks.  However, such products  are not specifically referred to in the Bill.
18. Please describe the legal means available under the law of Belize that enable interested
parties to ensure the protection required by Articles 22 and 23, and cite to the relevant
provisions of law?
Interested parties can ensure the protection required by Articles 22 and 23 in Belize under the
Trade Marks Bill, 2000.  Specifically, Part III and the First and Second Schedules.
E. INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS
19. Please describe the procedure that must be followed to obtain protection for industrial
designs, citing to the provisions of the Belize law, and describe the nature of the protection
provided.
See Clause 5 of the Industrial Designs Bill, 2000, with regard to the procedure to be followed
to obtain protection.  The nature of the protection is covered by Clause 10.
20. Please describe the procedure that must be followed to obtain protection for textile
designs and cite to the provisions of the law under which such protection is provided.
See the definition of "industrial design", in Clause 2, which includes materials.  For the
procedure to obtain protection, see Clause 5 of the Bill.
F. PATENTS
21. Please explain whether and how the Belize patent law implements Article 27 of the
TRIPS Agreement.
See Part III of the Patents Bill, 2000.
22. What provisions of the Belize patent law or  regulations provide to patent holders the
rights required by Article 28 of the TRIPS Agreement?  Please provide citations to those laws or
regulations.
See Clause 33 of the Patents Bill, 2000.  With regard to Article 28.2 (assignment, transfer by
succession and licensing contracts), see Clauses 31 and 37 of the Bill.
23. Please describe the nature of the disclosure required of patent applicants under the
Belize patent law.
See Clause 17 of the Patents Bill, 2000.
24. Please state whether, under the Belize patent law or regulations, compulsory licences
can be issued, cite the relevant sections of law, and describe in detail the conditions under which
they can be issued.
Compulsory licences are issued under Clauses 38 and 39 of the Bill.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
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25. Please indicate whether the Belize patent law or regulations provide an opportunity for
judicial review of decisions to revoke or forfeit a patent as required by Article 32 of the TRIPS
Agreement.
The Belize patent law provides an opportunity for judicial review of decisions to revoke or
forfeit a patent as required by Article 32 of the TRIPS Agreement (See Clause 62).
26. What term of protection does the Belize patent law provide for patents?  Does the law
contain any provisions for extension of the term, and, if so, provide information on such
extensions and the conditions that give rise to them.
The term of protection for patents in Belize is 20 years.  See Clause 28 of the Bill, which
deals with the duration and maintenance of patents.
27. Under what provisions of the Belize patent law can the burden of proof in a process
patent infringement action be placed on the defending party as required by Article 34 of the
TRIPS Agreement?  Please cite to those provisions.
See Clause 41(7).
G. LAYOUT -DESIGNS (TOPOGRAPHIES ) OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
28. What provisions of the Belize patent law provide for the protection for layout-designs of
integrated circuits (referred to in the TRIPS Agreement as "layout-designs") that are registeredor have been commercially exploited anywhere in  the world, as outlined in Article 35 of the
TRIPS Agreement.  Please provide citations to those laws.
Belize has specific legislation on this subject matter entitled the "Protection of
Layout-Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000".  The Bill provides extensive protection forlayout-designs including for layout-design righ t holders.  See Clauses 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, and also 27.
29. Please describe in detail the scope of protection provided layout-designs under those
laws.
See Clause 6.
30. For what term is protection provided for layout-designs?
The term of protection is ten years.  See Clause 7.
H. P
ROTECTION OF UNDISCLOSED INFORMATION
31. Please describe in detail how the Belize law provides for the protection of undisclosed
information that is secret as defined in Article 39.2 of the TRIPS Agreement and provide
citations to the relevant provisions of law.
Belize law does not specifically provide for the protection of undisclosed information.
Intellectual property protection for pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemical products can be
obtained under the Patents Bill, 2000.
32. Please describe in detail the manner of protection provided to test data regarding
pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products which are undergoing testing in order toobtain marketing approval in Belize and cite to the relevant provisions of law.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 25
In Belize, there is no distinct piece of legislation which deals strictly with issues of
undisclosed information.  The Belize legal system is essentially founded on a modification of the
English common law, and the common law remedies of unfair competition would protect suchundisclosed information.
 
The Patents Act of Belize, 2000, also recognises that patents may be granted in respect of
processes used to make substances or compositions of treatment to the human body
(i.e. pharmaceutical products)(see section 9(4)), and any technical data disclosed in the abstract during
patent application is accorded the normal protection afforded to all other information included in the
patent application, and protection of that information is for the life of the patent if granted, i.e. twentyyears.
 
The right to information, specifically the ri ght to communicate ideas and information without
interference (into which category the test data referred to in questions 32 and 33 fall) is a fundamental
right under section 12(1) of the Belize Constitution. 
Lastly, references to date relating to pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemical products will
specifically be covered in subsidiary legislation to be developed under Belize's intellectual property
law submitted to the WTO Secretariat prior to Belize's review in June of this year.
33. Are other applicants for ma rketing approval for their own versions of a previously
approved pharmaceutical or agricultural chemical products permitted to rely on data submitted
by the earlier applicant?  If so, how long a period of exclusivity is the earlier applicant given
before such reliance becomes possible.
Please see the response to question 32.
I. E
NFORCEMENT – GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
34. Please explain whether the laws of Beli ze provide for effective action against
infringement of intellectual property rights as required by Article 41.1 of the TRIPS
Agreement.
The laws of Belize do provide for effective action against infringement of intellectual
property rights as required by Article 41.1 of th e TRIPS Agreement.  See the following provisions:
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000 Part V
(b) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 (i) Clause 25
(ii) Clauses 49-55
(iii) Clauses 75-81
(c) Patents Bill, 2000 (i) Part X
(ii) Clause 63
(d) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 Clause 24(e) Protection of New Plant Varieties
Bill, 2000 Part XIII
(f) Protection of Layout Designs (i) Clause 24
(Topographies) Bill, 2000 (ii) Clause 25IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 26
J. ENFORCEMENT – CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REMEDIES
35. Article 42.4 of the TRIPS Agreement provides for appeals to judicial bodies of final
administrative decisions and of at least the legal aspects of initial judicial decisions on the meritsof any act of infringement of intellectual property rights.  Please explain whether the laws of
Belize provide for such a mechanism.
The Laws of Belize do provide for appeals to judicial bodies of final administrative decision
and the legal aspects of initial judicial decisions:
(a) Section 95 of the Belize Constitution (CAP . 4) states that the "Supreme Court shall
have unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal
proceedings under any law and such jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred on
it by this Constitution or any other law."
(b) Section 10 of the Constitution states that the "Court of Appeal shall have such
jurisdiction and powers to hear and determine appeals in civil and criminal matters as
may be conferred on it by this Constitution or any other law."
(c) Part VII of the Copyright Bill, 2000, give s the Supreme Court extensive jurisdiction
in licensing matters.
(d) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 - Clauses 46(4) and 47(3) and (4).(e) Patents Bill, 2000 - Clauses 47 and 48.
(f) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 - Clauses 14 and 23.
(g) Protection  of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 - Clauses 26 and 43.
(h) Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000 - Clauses 18 and 23.
36. Please elaborate on the procedures for filing and appealing intellectual property
infringement cases.
The jurisdiction for intellectual property infringement cases cover both civil and criminal
jurisdiction of the judiciary.  The procedure for filing civil cases involve the use of writs of summons
and appeals are usually lodged in motions setting for the grounds of appeal.  The procedure incriminal cases involves the use of indictments.
37. Please describe the procedures for protecting confidential information in intellectual
property infringement cases.
Evidence Act, Chapter 75 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1980 - 1990.
38. Article 43.1 of the TRIPS Agreement authorizes judges to order production of evidence
necessary to substantiate a party's claims wh ere that party has been unable to obtain such
evidence from the opposing party.  Please explain the provisions of the Belize laws orregulations that provide this authorization.
Proceedings to assert intellectual property righ ts, just like all other civil proceedings before
the Supreme Court, will be subject to the Rules of  procedure of the Supreme Court.  Applications inIP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 27
respect of intellectual property rights for copyright, patents, industrial designs, layout-designs,
trademarks and new varieties of plants will be subj ect to the rules of discovery of documents provided
in Order XXVIII, especially rules 10, 13 and 14.
39. Article 44.1 of the TRIPS Agreement authorizes  judges to enjoin a defendant, except the
government from infringing intellectual property rights.  Please cite to the provisions of the
Belize laws or regulations that provide this same authorization.
The provisions of the laws of Belize that provide for the remedy of an injunction are:
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000 - Clause 36(1).(b)  Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(b).(c) Patents Bill, 2000 - Clause 41(2)(a).
(d) Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(a).
(e) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 - Clause 44(2)(a).(f) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 - Clause 49(2).
40. What provisions of the Belize laws or regulations authorizes judges to order the
payment of monetary damages adequate to compensate for the injury done by the infringement,
as outlined in Article 45.1 of the TRIPS Agreement?
The provisions of the laws of Belize that provide for the remedy of damages are:
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000 - Clause 36(1).(b) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(a).(c) Patents Bill, 2000 - Clause 41(2)(c).(d) Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(b).(e) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 - Clause 44(2)(c).
(f) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 - Clause 49(2).
41. Article 45.2 of the TRIPS Agreement authoriz es judges to order the infringer to pay
right holders enforcement costs and recovery of profits and/or statutory damages.  Please cite to
the provisions of the Belize laws or regulat ions that provide this same authorization.
The Laws of Belize provides for the payment of costs in civil actions.  Costs are extensively
provided for in order 66 of the Supreme Court Rules.
42. Article 46 of the TRIPS Agreement authoriz es additional remedies including seizure of
infringing goods, and the disposal of material s and implements used predominantly in the
creation of infringing goods.  Please cite to th e provisions of the Belize laws or regulations to
provide this same authorization.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 28
The seizure of infringing goods and the disposal  of materials and implements used
predominantly in the creation of infringing goods is provided for in Belize laws as follows:
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000 - Clause 37, 38,119, 120 and 135.(b) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(c).(c) Patents Bill, 2000 - Clause 41(2)(b).
(d) Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(2)(c).
(e) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 - Clause 44(2)(b).
(f) Trade Marks Bill, 2000 - Clause 51.
43. According to Article 48.1 of the TRIPS Agreem ent, judges are authorized to indemnify
a defendant including in the event of abuse by the plaintiffs.  Please cite to the corresponding
provisions in the Belize laws or regulations.
The effect of misjoinder of defendants in any proceedings before the Supreme Court is
provided for under Order XVII, Rule 12 of the Suprem e Court Rules.  Although the awarding of costs
in any cause or matter is generally a matter falling within the discretionary powers of the Supreme
Court, where there is a misjoinder or non-joinder of defendants, the Court will strike out the action
against the misjoinded defendant and in that case, may award costs against the plaintiff, which costs
are said, "to follow the event" (Order LXVI, Proviso to Rule 1 and Rule 2 of the same Order), which
means that the loser of the action must pay the winner's costs.  This process applies for and against theCrown and public authorities, subject to the prov isions of the Crown Proceedings Act and the Public
Authorities Protection Act, Chapter 24 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1980 - 1990.
K. E
NFORCEMENT – PROVISIONAL MEASURES
44. Please explain how the Belize laws or regu lations comport with Article 50 of the TRIPS
Agreement.
(a) Copyright Bill, 2000.
The provisional measures which may be made under this Bill are provisional orders for the
delivery up of infringing articles.  The rationale for th is is to make sure that the infringing articles are
in safe custody pending the final disposition of the matter.  (Clauses 37, 54 and 119).
(b) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000.Like in the Copyright Bill, the Court is empowered to order delivery up of the infringing
articles.  The rationale is the same.
(c) Patents Bill, 2000.
None.
(d) Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000.
Pursuant to Clause 24(2), an applicant may obt ain interlocutory injunctions from the Court
pending the final disposal of the case.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 29
(e) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000.
Pursuant to Clause 44(2)(a), an applicant may be granted an interlocutory injunction by the
Court forbidding the continued commission of an in fringement of the holder of the breeder's right
until the final determination of the matter.
(f) Trade Marks Bill, 2000.The Court may make a provisional order under Clause 51 ordering the delivery-up of the
infringing goods, materials, or articles pending the final disposition of the matter.
L. E
NFORCEMENT – SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO BORDER MEASURES
45. Article 51 of the TRIPS Agreement requires th at countries adopt procedures that enable
right holders to request suspension of the importation of counterfeit trademarked goods and
pirated copyrighted works.  Please identify th e competent authority in  Belize authorized to
accept applications for a request to suspend release of suspected infringing goods and cite to the
relevant law or regulations governing such authority.
The competent authority in Belize authorized to  accept applications for a request to suspend
release of suspected infringing goods is the Comptroller of Customs.  The relevant law with regard topirated copyright works is Clause 51 of the Copyright Bill. With regard to counterfeit trademark
goods, the relevant law is Clause 74 of the Trade Marks Bill, 2000.
46. Article 51 of the TRIPS Agreement requires that countries adopt procedures that
enable right holders to request suspension of the importation of counterfeit trademarked goods
and pirated copyrighted works.  Please identify  the competent authority in Belize authorized to
accept applications for a request to suspend release of suspected infringing goods and cite the
relevant law or regulation governing such authorization.
Same answer as for question 45.
47. Please describe the procedures a right holder must follow to obtain border protection by
the competent authorities, e.g. if there is a form al application that must be submitted to the
competent authority, judicial or administrative, and the information required in the request for
suspension and cite the law or regulations providing such procedures.
See the relevant Clauses in the answer to question 45 above.  The procedures required to
obtain border protection, will also be augmented by regulations made under the Copyright Act and the
Trade Marks Act.
48. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51 of the TRIPS
Agreement, are available to stop the export of goods suspected of infringing copyrights and/ortrademarks.
Detailed border provisions to stop the exportation of goods suspected of infringing copyright
or trademarks will be provided for in regulations made under the Copyright Act and the Trade Marks
Act.  As mentioned in the answer to question 1, both Acts contain provisions for national treatmentfor citizens of countries which are party to the relevant Convention.  These provisions could be relied
on by citizen right holders of such countries to stop the infringement of their goods in Belize.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 30
49. Article 52 of the TRIPS Agreement require s that rights holders wishing to stop
importation of counterfeit trademarked goods or pirated copyrighted works present evidence
to the competent auth orities that there is prima facie  infringement of their trademark or
copyright.  Please explain what evidence will constitute prima facie  infringement in Belize.
The type of evidence required to constitute prima facie  infringement in Belize is determined
by conditions given under Clause 51(4)(ii) of the Copyright Bill, 2000, and Clause 74(3)(b) of the
Trade Marks Bill, 2000.  Further details will be given in Regulations made under both laws.
50. Article 52 also requires that the right holder provide a "sufficiently detailed description
of the goods" to be stopped.  Please explain what is required of the right holder in Belize for adescription to be "sufficiently detailed."
Provisions with regard to providing a "sufficiently detailed description of the goods" to be
stopped, will be enacted in Regulations made under the Copyright Bill, 2000, and the Trade Marks
Bill, 2000.
51. Article 52 requires that the competent auth orities notify the right holder that his
application is accepted within a reasonable time.  Please explain within what period of time the
competent authority responds to a request for suspension of release of goods and, if the
application is accepted, the length of time during which enforcement action will be taken.
This portion will be regulated by Regulations to be made under the Copyright Act and the
Trade Marks Act.
52. Article 53.1 requires that the competent author ities have the authority to secure from an
applicant a security or equivalent assurance suff icient to protect a defendant and to prevent
abuse.  Please verify that the competent auth orities identified above are empowered to require
security or equivalent assurance and provide cita tions to the provisions of law or regulation that
grant them that authority.
This portion will be regulated by regulations to be made under the Copyright Act and the
Trade Marks Act.  See Clause 51 of the Copyright Bill, 2000, and Clause 74(3)(d) of the Trade MarksBill, 2000.
53. Article 53.2 provides that the owner, importer, or consignee of goods involving
industrial designs, patents, layout-designs or undisclosed information that have been suspended
by customs authorities should be able, in certa in circumstances, to have such goods released on
payment of security sufficient to protect the right holder from infringement.  Please identify
what forms of intellectual property, if any, are subject to provisions of Article 53.2 and cite to
the relevant provisions of law or regulations.
This portion will be regulated by Regulations made under the relevant legislation.
54. Article 54 requires that the importer and th e applicant be notified promptly of the
suspension or release of goods.  Please iden tify the authority/authorities responsible for
notifying the importer and applicant and cite to the law or regulations spelling out the
procedure.
The competent authority is the Comptroller of Customs.  The procedure involved will be
provided for in Regulations made under the relevant legislations.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 31
55. Please specify the period within which the competent authority has to issue a notice that
the release of goods has been suspended.
See Clause 51(1) of the Copyright Bill, 2000, and Clause 74(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Bill,
Regulations made under the relevant legislations.
56. Article 55 makes it clear that the right ho lder applying for suspension of infringing
goods must initiate a proceeding on the merits in an appropriate forum within a reasonable
period of time or the goods will be released.  Plea se identify the fora in which an applicant/party
may initiate proceedings on the merits that will allow customs authorities to hold the goods
beyond ten working days.
This portion will be regulated by Regulations made under the Copyright Act and Trade Marks
Act.
57. Article 55 provides that a review is to take place within a reasonable time at the request
of the defending party to determine if the susp ension measures should be modified, revoked, or
confirmed pending the outcome of the proceeding on  the merits.  Please identify the forum that
authorized to conduct such a review and describe the procedure.  Please cite the law or
regulations providing for these procedures.
See the answers to questions 56 and 35 above.
58. Article 56 requires that the authorities be able to require the applicant to compensate
the defending party for any injury caused if  the detention of goods was unfounded.  Please
identify the authorities that can order the appl icant to pay the importer, consignee or owner
compensation for injury caused by wrongful detention or through the detention pursuant to
Article 55 and cite to the law or regulations providing that authority.
See the answers to questions 56 and 35 above.
59.  Article 57 requires that the competent author ities be able to authorize the right holder
to inspect the detained goods in order to substantiate the claims.  Please explain how right
holders are provided an opportunity to insp ect suspect goods that have been detained by
customs authorities.
See the answer to question 56 above.
60.  Article 57 also requires that, where the decision on the merits favours the right holder,
the competent authorities also may be given authority to give right holder information
regarding the importer, consignee or consignor.  If competent authorities in Belize can provide
information regarding the importer, consignee or consignor to the right holder, please explain
how information regarding names and addresses of consignors, importers and consignees andquantities of goods are provided to the applicant after a positive decision of infringement is
made, e.g., authorities automatically providing information or by submission of a written
request from the right holder, etc.  Please cite to the law or regulations providing such
authority.
See the answer to question 56 above
61. Article 58 specifies procedures to be followed where the competent authorities can act
ex officio .  Please explain whether the competent authorities in Belize are empowered to act
ex officio  and, if so, please identify the intellectual property areas subject to ex officio action.IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 32
See the answer to question 56 above.
62. Article 59 identifies the remedies that are to be available, including destruction or
disposal of infringing goods outside the stream of commerce.  Please explain what the law in
Belize permits regarding the disposition of infringing goods, i.e., does the law allow for
destruction, disposal or both.  Please cite to  the law or regulations providing such authority.
See the answer to question 42 above.
63. Please identify:  (1) the competent author ity that decides the disposition of the goods,
i.e., whether the goods will be destroyed or dispos ed of outside the stream of commerce, and (2)
the competent authority that  carries out the destruction or disposal of the goods.
The competent authority that decides the disposition of infringing goods is the Supreme
Court. The destruction or disposal of goods as a result of a court order is usually done by courtofficials.
64. Article 60 permits Members to exclude from the provisions for border enforcement
small quantities of goods of a non-commercial nature carried by passengers or sent in small
consignments.  Please describe what constitutes a de minimis  import that is excluded from the
border measures under the law of Belize.
See Clause 51(3) of the Copyright Bill, 2000 and Clause 74(2).
M. E
NFORCEMENT – CRIMINAL PROCEDURES
65.  Article 61 of the TRIPS Agreement requires that Members have criminal procedures
and penalties, including-imprisonment and/or monetary fines sufficient to act as a deterrent, at
least for cases of wilful trademark counterfeiti ng and copyright infringement on a commercial
scale.  Please describe the provisions of the law of Belize that fulfil that obligation and provide
legal citations.
See Clause 52 and 121 of the Copyright Bill, 2000 and Clause 75 to 81 of the Trade Marks
Bill, 2000.
66. Article 61 also requires that remedies in a ppropriate cases include the seizure, forfeiture
and destruction of infringing goods and any materials and implements the predominant use of
which has been the commission of the offence.  Pl ease explain the provisions in the laws of Belize
that provide for such remedies, and describe the circumstances in which those remedies would
be imposed.  Please provide legal citations.
See the answer to question 42 above.
67. Article 61 also indicates that Members may provide for criminal procedures and
penalties in cases of wilful infringement of oth er forms of intellectual property.  Please describe
any provisions of the laws of Belize that provide for such procedures and remedies.  Please
provide legal citations.
The provisions of the laws of Belize providing for criminal procedures and penalties in cases
of wilful infringement of other forms of intellectual property are as follows:
(a) Industrial Designs Bill, 2000 - Clause 24(5).IP/Q/BLZ/1, IP/Q2/BLZ/1,
IP/Q3/BLZ/1, IP/Q4/BLZ/1
Page 33
(b) Patents Bill, 2000 - Clause 64.
(c) Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) Bill, 2000 - Clause 25.(d) Protection of New Plant Varieties Bill, 2000 – Clause 45.
__________