RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
10April 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-1495)
Original: English Council forTrade-Related Aspects
ofIntellectual Property Rights
REVIEW OFLEGISLATION INTHE FIELDS OFPATENTS, LAYOUT-DESIGNS
(TOPOGRAPHIES) OFINTEGRATED CIRCUITS, PROTECTION OF
UNDISCLOSED INFORMATION AND CONTROL OF
ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES IN
CONTRACTUAL LICENCES
Questions Posed bytheEuropean Communities andtheirMember States
Revision
Bymeans ofcommunications from thePermanent Delegation oftheEuropean Communities
andtheirMember States, dated 18and25March 1997, theSecretariat hasreceived thefollowing
questions thattheEuropean Communities andtheirMember States hadcommunicated toAustralia,
Bulgaria, Canada, theCzech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland,
theSlovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland andtheUnited States.
Page
Australia 2
Bulgaria 4
Canada 7
Czech Republic 9
Hungary 10
Iceland 11
Japan 12
NewZealand 14
Norway 15
Poland 16
Slovak Republic 17
Slovenia 18
South Africa 19
Switzerland 21
United States 22IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page2
AUSTRALIA
Patents
1. DoesAustralia granttemporary protection topatentable inventions inrespect ofgoods exhibited
atofficial exhibitions heldinAustralia inaccordance withArticle 11oftheParis Convention (1967)?
(Article 2.1TRIPS)
2. Inwhatcircumstances andunder whatconditions would theCommonwealth ofAustralia order
theacquisition ofapatent pursuant toSection 171ofthePatents Act? (Article 8TRIPS)
3. Does theexclusion ofaninvention which issecretly usedfrom thedefinition of"patentable
invention" inthePatents Actlimitinanywaythecircumstances inwhich "patents shallbeavailable"
within themeaning ofArticle 27.1TRIPS?
4. Pursuant toSection 51(1)(a) ofthePatents Act,isitwithin thediscretion oftheCommissioner
torefuse thegrant ofapatent where theprevention ofitsexploitation isnotrequired fortheinterests
listed inArticle 27.2TRIPS?
5. Would thegrantofacompulsory licence pursuant toSection 133ofthePatents Act,asamended,
besubject totherequirements ofArticle 31(c) and(f)TRIPS? Ifso,please explain.
6. IstheGovernment ofAustralia obliged tomake efforts toobtain authorization fromtheright
holder onreasonable commercial terms andconditions prior totheexploitation ofinventions bythe
Crown pursuant toSection 163ofthePatents Act1990, asamended? (Article 31(k) and(b)TRIPS)
7. Does Section 163ofthePatents Actallow forexploitation ofsemiconductor technology by
theCrown?
8. Would theexploitation ofapatent bytheCrown pursuant toSection 163ofthePatents Act
benon-exclusive inallareas and,ifso,onwhatbasis? (Article 31(d) TRIPS)
9. IstheexploitationofapatentbytheCrownpursuanttoSection163ofthePatentsActassignable?
Please explain. (Article 31(e) TRIPS)
10. Isuseofapatent fortheservices oftheCrown pursuant toSection 163ofthePatents Act
predominantly forthesupply oftheAustralian market, having regard inparticular toSection 168of
theAct? (Article 31(f) TRIPS)
11. Does Australia provide forthejudicial review ofthelegal validity ofanydecision relating
totheauthorization ofusebytheCrown pursuant toSection 163ofthePatents Actoristhislimited
toapplying foradeclaration tothecourt thattheexploitation isnolonger necessary assetoutin
Section 165A oftheAct? Please explain. (Article 31(i)TRIPS)
12. Does Australia provide fortheconditions assetoutinArticle 31(l)TRIPS inthecaseofuse
bytheCrown pursuant toSection 163ofthePatents Actofapatent which cannot beexploited without
infringing another patent? Please explain.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page3
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. DoesAustralia apply itslawonlayout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits tonationals
ofalltheWTO Members? (Article 1.3TRIPS, Article 3.1TRIPS)
2. Does Australia require thattheexploitation ofacircuit layout bytheCrown pursuant to
Section 25oftheCircuit Layouts Actbenon-exclusive inallcases? (Article 31(d) TRIPS)
3. Istheexploitation ofacircuit layout bytheCrown pursuant toSection 25oftheCircuit Layouts
Actassignable? (Article 31(e) TRIPS)
4. CanusebytheCrown ofacircuit layout pursuant toSection 25oftheCircuit Layouts Act
beterminated ifandwhen thecircumstances which ledtoitcease toexistorareunlikely toreturn,
anddoesacompetent authority havetheability toreview onrequest theconfirmed useofthecircuit
layout? Please explain. (Article 31(g) TRIPS)
5. Does Australia require thatadequate remuneration bepaidtotheowner ofexclusive rights
inrelation tocircuit layouts, inallcases ofusebytheCrown pursuant toSection 25(4) oftheCircuit
Layouts Act? Please explain. (Article 31(h) TRIPS)
6. Does Australia provide forageneral right ofreview ofthedecision oftheCommonwealth
ofAustralia toundertake anactinrelation toaneligible layout pursuant toSection 25(4) oftheCircuit
Layouts Act? Please explain. (Article 31(i)TRIPS and(j))
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Does Australia, andifsoonwhatlegal basis, protect (i)thetypeofinformation thatisthe
subjectmatterofArticle39.3TRIPSand(ii)inaccordancewiththerequirementsofArticle39.3TRIPS?
Ifnot,doesAustralia intend tointroduce legislation soastogrant thenecessary protection and,ifso,
when would thisbeinplace andwhatwould bethecontent ofsuchlegislation?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page4
BULGARIA
Patents
1. Does thereference insection 1(2)oftheBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 to"foreign natural
andlegalperson" effectively extend patent protection toallnationals ofMembers oftheWorld Trade
Organization, asdefined in,andinaccordance with, Article 1.3ofTRIPS? Please explain.
2. Does theBulgarian Patent Law of1993 prohibit thegrant ofacompulsory licence in
circumstances where therightholder justifies hisorherfailure tousethesubject matter ofthepatent
inaccordance withArticle 2.1ofTRIPS inconjunction with5(A)(4) oftheParis Convention? Ifso,
whatarethese circumstances?
3. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 provide forthepatentability ofmicro-organisms in
accordance withparagraph (b)ofArticle 27.3ofTRIPS?
4. Article 30ofTRIPS mentions "notunreasonably prejudice" incases ofexceptions totherights
conferred toapatent owner. However, section 20(1) oftheBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 usesthe
term"does notcause significant material prejudice". HowisthispartofthePatent Lawinterpreted?
Please explain.
5. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993, inparticular inlightofsection 32(7), comply with
Article 31ofTRIPS? Please explain.
6. DoestheBulgarianPatentLawof1993imposeonaproposedcompulsorylicensee,asacondition
precedent tothegrant ofthecompulsory licence, theobligation tomake reasonable efforts toobtain
authorization fromtherightholder onreasonable terms andconditions inaccordance withArticle 31(b)
ofTRIPS? Please explain.
7. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 require thatnotification ofacompulsory licence be
given totherightholder incases ofnational emergency inaccordance withArticle 31(b) ofTRIPS?
8. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 limitthescope andduration ofacompulsory licence
tothepurpose forwhich itwasauthorized inaccordance withArticle 31(c) ofTRIPS? Please explain.
9. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 permit theassignment ofacompulsory licence with
partoftheenterprise orgoodwill which enjoys suchuseinaccordance withArticle 31(e) ofTRIPS?
10. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 restrict, incompulsory licensing situations, theuse
ofthesubject matter ofthelicensed patent tousewhich ispredominantly forthesupply ofBulgaria 's
domestic market inaccordance withArticle 31(f) ofTRIPS?
11. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 permit thetermination inallcases ofacompulsory
licence ontheground thatthecircumstances which ledtothecompulsory licence haveceased toexist
andareunlikely torecur inaccordance withArticle 31(g) ofTRIPS?
12. Does theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 require theadequate remuneration ofarightholder
incircumstances where thesubject matter oftherightholder 'spatent isthesubject ofacompulsory
licence inaccordance withArticle 31(h) ofTRIPS?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page5
13. What entity isresponsible foradjudicating requests forthegrantandtermination ofcompulsory
licences under theBulgarian Patent Lawof1993 andaredecisions made inrespect ofsuchrequests
subject toreview byadistinct higher authority inaccordance withArticle 31(i)ofTRIPS?
14. With respect toacompulsory licence granted inorder topermit exploitation ofthesubject
matter ofapatent (the"second patent") which cannot beexploited without infringing another patent
(the"first patent"), doestheBulgarian Patent Lawof1993, inaccordance withArticle 31(l)ofTRIPS:
(a) require thatthesecond patent involve animportant technical advance ofconsiderable
economic significance inrelation totheinvention claimed inthefirstpatent?
(b) provide totheowner ofthefirstpatent therighttoacross-licence onreasonable terms
tousethesecond patent? and/or
(c) prohibit theassignment oftherighttousethefirstpatent except withtheassignment
ofthesecond patent?
15. Does Bulgarian lawmake provision, inthecontext ofcivilproceedings forinfringement in
respect ofapatented process forobtaining anewproduct andinaccordance withArticle 34.3ofTRIPS,
forconsideration ofthelegitimate interests ofadefendant inprotecting itsmanufacturing andbusiness
secrets incircumstances where thedefendant isrequired toprove thattheprocess usedtoobtain an
identical product isdifferent from thepatented process?
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Does Bulgarian lawprovide fortheprotection oflayout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated
circuits inaccordance withArticles 35to37ofTRIPS?
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. DoesBulgarian lawprovide natural andlegalpersons withthemeans ofpreventing information
lawfullywithintheircontrolfrombeingdisclosedto,acquiredby,orusedbyotherswithouttheirconsent
inaccordance withArticle 39.2ofTRIPS?
2. Does thephrase "inamanner inconsistent withhonest trade practice" insection 14ofthe
Bulgarian LawontheProtection ofCompetition of1991include (i)breach ofcontract; (ii)inducement
tobreach; and/or (iii)theacquisition ofundisclosed information bythirdparties whoknew, orwere
grossly negligent infailing toknow, thatpractices contrary tohonest commercial practice wereinvolved
intheacquisition inaccordance withArticle 39.2ofTRIPS?
3. DoestheBulgarianLawontheProtectionofCompetitionof1991restrictthetypeofundisclosed
information which maybeprotected from disclosure, acquisition oruseevenifsuchundisclosed
information meets thecriteria setforth inArticle 39.2ofTRIPS?
4. Does Bulgarian lawrequire, asacondition oftheprotection ofundisclosed information, that
theinformation sought tobeprotected have been subject toreasonable steps tokeep itsecret in
accordance withparagraph (c)ofArticle 39.2ofTRIPS?
5. Does Bulgarian lawprovide fortheprotection ofundisclosed testorother data, filedasa
conditionoftheapprovalofthemarketingofpharmaceuticalorofagriculturalchemicalproducts,against
unfair commercial useinaccordance withArticle 39.3ofTRIPS?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page6
6. Does Bulgarian lawprovide fortheprotection ofundisclosed testorother data, filedasa
conditionoftheapprovalofthemarketingofpharmaceuticalorofagriculturalchemicalproducts,against
disclosure inaccordance withArticle 39.3ofTRIPS?
Control ofanti-competitive practices incontractual licences
1. Does theBulgarian LawontheProtection ofCompetition of1991 permit theprevention or
control ofintellectual property contractual licensing practices other thanthose which mayconstitute
an"abuse ofintellectual property rights having anadverse effect oncompetition intherelevant market"
within themeaning ofArticle 40.2ofTRIPS?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page7
CANADA
Patents
1. Inthecircumstances where theCommissioner ofPatents exercises thepower toauthorize use
ofthesubject matter ofapatent bythirdparties without theauthorization oftherightholder, arethere
anyconditions applicable totheexercise ofthatdiscretion which meettheterms ofTRIPS, Article 31,
especially paragraphs (b),(c)firsthalfsentence, (d)and(e)?
2. Does thePatent Act,R.S.C. 1985, asamended, contain anyprovision toensure thatinthe
caseoftheCommissioner ofPatents exercising thepower toauthorize anypublic, non-commercial
useofapatent byagovernment without theauthorization oftherightholder, therightholder shall
beinformed promptly where thegovernment without making apatent search knows orhasdemonstrable
grounds toknow thatapatent isorwillbeusedbyorforthegovernment (Article 31(b) TRIPS)?
3. Does thePlant Breeders 'Rights Act,S.C.1990, c.20extend toallMembers ofTRIPS as
required byTRIPS? Please explain.
4. Could theGovernment ofCanada clarify whether andhowmicro-organisms arepatented
(Article 27.3(b) TRIPS)?
5. Does thePatent Act,R.S.C. 1985, asamended, expressly confer therights toofferforsale
orimport aproduct, based oneither product- orprocess-based patents, pursuant toArticle 28.1of
TRIPS?
6. Section 55.2(2) ofCanada 'sC-91Billappears topermit, incertain circumstances, athirdparty
tomake andstockpile anunlimited supply ofapatented product without theconsent ofthepatent holder
during thelifeofapatent. Ifthisisthecase, could Canada please explain howthisisconsistent with
therights, including therighttoprevent unauthorized making ofapatented product, conferred onthe
patent holder byArticle 28TRIPS?
7. HowdoesthePatent Act,R.S.C. 1985, asamended, inreversing theburden ofproof foran
action forinfringement ofapatented process forobtaining anewproduct, takeintoaccount thelegitimate
interests ofdefendants inprotecting theirmanufacturing andbusiness secrets pursuant toArticle 34.3
ofTRIPS)
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Does theICTA (Integrated Circuits Topography ActS.C.1990) fullyimplement Canada 's
obligations under Article 37.2ofTRIPS (which incorporates byreference sub-paragraphs (a)through
(k)ofArticle 31ofTRIPS) withrespect totheconditions fortheauthorization ofacompulsory licence
forusebyorforthegovernment ofanintegrated circuit topography?
2. What doesCanada understand byreference to"anyprivate andnon-commercial purpose" in
sub-paragraph 6(2)(d) oftheICTA, anddoesthisprovide thesamescope ofprotection fortopographies
asrequired byArticle 35ofTRIPS?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page8
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Does Article 1472 ofthenewQuebec CivilCode inrespect ofdisclosure oftrade secrets for
considerations ofgeneral interest permit undisclosed information tobedisclosed byaperson contrary
toArticle 39.2ofTRIPS evenifthatinformation issecret, hascommercial value because itissecret,
andhasbeensubject toreasonable steps tokeepitsecret?
2. Towhatextent doesCanadian legislation (onafederal andsub-federal level) protect undisclosed
information obtained byanemployee during his/her employment inthecasewhere thisperson 'sterm
ofemployment ends, evenifthatinformation meets therequirements ofArticle 39.2(a), (b)and(c)
ofTRIPS? Please explain.
3. What legislation orregulations existtofulfilCanada 'sobligations under Article 39.3ofTRIPS?
Please explain.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page9
CZECH REPUBLIC
Patents
1. Isitacondition ofgranting acompulsory licence under theCzech Patent Lawthattheproposed
userhasmade efforts toobtain authorization from therightholder onreasonable commercial terms
andconditions andthatsuchefforts have notbeen successful within areasonable period oftime
(Article 31(b) TRIPS)?
2. HowdoestheCzechPatentLawlimitthedurationofacompulsorylicence(Article31(c)TRIPS)?
3. Please explain whether andhowtheCzech Patent Lawcomplies withthecondition ofnon-
exclusive useofacompulsory licence (Article 31(d) TRIPS)?
4. DoestheCzech Patent Lawprohibit assignment ofcompulsory licences (Article 31(e) TRIPS)?
5. Does theCzech Patent Lawrequire thattheuseofacompulsory licence beauthorized
predominantly forthesupply oftheCzech market asrequired byArticle 31(f) TRIPS?
6. Could theCzech Republic explain whether andhowtheCzech Patent Lawprovides for
termination ofcompulsory licence when thecircumstances which ledtoitcease toexistandareunlikely
torecur (Article 31(g) TRIPS)?
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. What aretherulesunder theCzech Patent Lawtoimplement Articles 39.1and39.2ofTRIPS?
2. How dotheCzech authorities provide fortheprotection against unfair commercial useof
undisclosed testorother datawhich aretobesubmitted asacondition ofapproving themarketing
ofpharmaceutical orofagricultural chemical products which utilise newchemical entities (Article 39.3
TRIPS)?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
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HUNGARY
Patents
1. Section 19ofActXXXIII of1995ontheProtection ofInventions byPatents (the"Patent Act")
provides, interalia,thefollowing exceptions toapatent holder ’sexclusive rights: (1)actsperformed
forprivate useoroutside thesphere ofeconomic activities and(2)actsofanexperimental purpose,
connected withthesubject matter ofthepatent, including experiments andresearch matter necessary
forlicensing thedistribution ofpharmaceuticals. Please explain howthese provisions areconsistent
withtherequirements ofTRIPS Article 30.
2. Section 21ofthePatent Actprovides thatapatent holder isnotentitled topreclude
"pre-utilization" or"continued utilization" ofapatented invention. Please explain howtheseexceptions
toapatent holder ’sexclusive rights areconsistent withTRIPS Article 30.
3. Under Sections 31to33ofthePatent Act,anapplicant foracompulsory licence must
demonstrate thatthepatent owner wasunwilling toauthorize useofthepatent despite theexistence
of"appropriate conditions". Thelawdoesnotspecify thatthepotential licensee mustofferreasonable
commercial terms andconditions fortheright tousethepatent. Italsodoesnotspecify thata
compulsory licence mustbeexclusive anddoesnotlimitthescope ofsuchalicence tosupplying the
Hungarian market. Given theabsence ofexpress provisions onthese points, please explain how
Sections 31to33ofthePatent Actareconsistent withtherequirements ofTRIPS Article 31.
4. Forapplications forprotection which werepending onthedateofapplication oftheAgreement,
howdoyourauthoritiescomplywithTRIPSArticle70.7whichallowstheamendmentoftheapplications
toclaim enhanced protection?
Integrated circuits
1. Section 7(5)ofActXXXIX of1991ontheProtection oftheTopographies ofMicro-electronic
Semiconductor Products (the"PTMSP Act") allows forthedisposition ofstockonhandofanunlawfully
reproduced integrated circuit, provided thattherightholder receives the"Customary feeofutilization"
forsuchdisposition afteradequate notice from therightholder. Please explain howthisprovision
complies withTRIPS Article 37,which requires thatinsuchcircumstances theright holder should
receive "areasonable royalty suchaswould bepayable under afreely negotiated licence".
Undisclosed information
1. Chapter IIoftheActLVIIof1996ontheProhibition ofUnfair andRestrictive Market Practices
(the"Unfair Practices Act") protects undisclosed information related totheeconomic activity, provided
thattheperson seeking protection has"ajustifiable interest" inkeeping theinformation secret. Please
explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS Article 39,which doesnotcondition theprotection
ofundisclosed information ontheexistence ofa"justifiable interest".
2. Please explain howHungary ensures protection ofundisclosed information submitted tothe
government asacondition ofmarketing approval forpharmaceutical oragricultural chemical products
asrequired byTRIPS Article 39,paragraph 3.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page11
ICELAND
Patents
1. Could theGovernment ofIceland clarify itssystem ofpatent protection? Isitthecasethat
nopatent protection isavailable forfilings between 1January 1996, thedateoftheapplication ofthe
TRIPS Agreement byIceland and1June1996? Furthermore, regarding inventions made inthesector
ofpharmaceutical andagricultural chemical products, doesthelegislation ofIceland provide fora
"mailbox andmarketing system" pursuant toArticle 70.8and70.9oftheTRIPS Agreement tocover
theperiod between 1January 1995 and1June1996? Please explain.
2. Howdoesthelegislation ofIceland implement Article 70.7oftheTRIPS Agreement which
provides thatinthecaseofintellectual property rights forwhich protection isconditional upon
registration, applications forprotection which arepending onthedateofapplication oftheTRIPS
AgreementfortheMemberinquestionshallbepermittedtobeamendedtoclaimanyenhancedprotection
provided under thisAgreement, except where anewmatter isconcerned? Please explain.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page12
JAPAN
Patents
1. Isathirdparty product brought ontothemarket inJapan between priority dateasprovided
byArticle 4oftheParis Convention (1967) anddateoffiling ofthepatent application inJapan exempt
from infringement pursuant toSection 69,§2(ii) oftheJapanese Patent Law? (Article 2.1TRIPS)
2. Would theperson referred toinSection 79ofthePatent Law, byvirtue ofprioruse,beentitled
toanon-exclusive licence onthepatent rightunder thepatent application therereferred toifthatperson
hadbeencommercially working theinvention, ormaking preparations therefor, atthetimeofaprior
filingofthatpatentapplicationinanotherWTOcountry?(Article2.1TRIPS,Article4ParisConvention
(1967))
3. Inrespectofpatentsandlayout-designs(topographies),doesJapaneselawallowfortheimposition
ofcompulsory licences toremedy theabuse ofsuchrights bytheright holder orpractices which
unreasonably restrain trade oradversely affect theinternational transfer oftechnology? Ifso,what
limitations, ifany,would beimposed upon thegrant ofsuchlicences andonwhatlegalbasis? Are
allconditions provided forinArticle 31respected? (Article 8.2TRIPS, Article 31TRIPS)
4. Does Japanese lawapply theprinciple ofinternational exhaustion ofpatent rights?
5. Onwhatlegalbasis dopatent owners havetherightunder Japanese lawtoassign, ortransfer
bysuccession, thepatent andtoconclude licensing contracts? (Article 28.2TRIPS)
6. Would itbesufficient, pursuant toArticle 80ofthePatent Law, foraninventor tofileapatent
application ingoodfaithandstartworking thepatent inorder tobeentitled toanon-exclusive licence
inrespect ofapatent application filedpreviously forthesame invention? Ifso,onwhatbasis does
theGovernment ofJapan consider thatthisdoesnotunreasonably conflict withthenormal exploitation
ofthatsecond patent? (Article 30TRIPS)
7. Towhatextent andonwhich legalbasis doesJapan ensure compliance withtheobligations
imposed byArticle 31(c) firsthalfsentence, (f),(g),(h)and(l)(i)TRIPS?
8. How andtowhatextent doesJapanese lawimplement Article 34TRIPS?
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Does thedefinition ofsemiconductor integrated circuit assetoutinArticle 2(1)oftheAct
Concerning theLayout ofaSemiconductor Integrated Circuit ("the Circuit Layout Act") include
integrated circuits inintermediate form? Ifnot,onwhatbasisdoesJapanese lawprotect circuit layouts
utilized forthemanufacture ofintegrated circuits inintermediate form? Does thedefinition ofcircuit
layout inArticle 2(2)ofthesameActinclude circuit layouts prepared foranintegrated circuit intended
formanufacture? Ifnot,onwhat basis doesJapanese lawprotect suchcircuit layouts? (Article 35
TRIPS, Article 2IPICTreaty)
2. Does Japanese lawprotect theholder ofacircuit layout rightagainst reproduction other than
byincorporation inasemiconductor integrated circuit? Ifso,onwhatbasisdoesitgrantsuchprotection?
(Article 35TRIPS, Article 6(1)(a)(i) IPICTreaty)IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page13
3. DoesJapanese lawprotect theholder ofacircuit layout rightagainst theactofimporting, selling
orotherwise distributing forcommercial purposes aregistered circuit layout, irrespective ofwhether
itisincorporated inasemiconductor integrated circuit? Ifso,onwhat basis doesitgrant such
protection? (Article 35TRIPS, Article 6(1)(a)(ii) IPICTreaty)
4. DoesJapaneselawallowtheimporting,sellingorotherwisedistributingforcommercialpurposes
ofanintegrated circuit oranyarticle incorporating suchanintegrated circuit byaperson acting in
good faithafterthatperson hasreceived sufficient notice thatthelayout-design incorporated insuch
integrated circuit wasunlawfully reproduced andinreturn forareasonable royalty, irrespective of
whether suchintegrated circuits werepartofthestock onhandorhadbeenordered before thetime
thatnotice hadbeengiven? (Article 37.1TRIPS)
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Inwhatmanner andonwhatlegalbasis doesJapan protect thesubmission ofundisclosed test
orother dataasacondition ofapproving themarketing ofpharmaceutical orofagricultural chemical
products which utilize newchemical entities against unfair commercial useandagainst disclosure?
(Article 39.3TRIPS)IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
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NEW ZEALAND
Patents
1. Would acompulsory licence pursuant toSection 46(1) ofthePatents Act1953 (asamended)
begranted under NewZealand patents lawwhere thepatentee justifies hisfailure towork thepatent
bylegitimate reasons? Ifso,whatreasons would beregarded asbeing legitimate? (Article 2.1TRIPS
inconjunction withArticle 5(A)(4) oftheParis Convention)
2. Does NewZealand lawallow foraperiod ofgrace forthepayment offeesprescribed forthe
maintenance ofpatent rights which isnotshorter thansixmonths, having regard toSection 30(5) of
thePatents Act1953 (asamended)? (Article 2.1TRIPS inconjunction withArticle 5bisoftheParis
Convention)
3. Istheauthorization oftheuseofpatented inventions fortheservices oftheCrown pursuant
toSections 55(2) and55(3) ofthePatents Act1953 (asamended) considered onitsownindividual
merits? (Article 31TRIPS)
4. Does NewZealand lawprovide foranobligation toinform promptly thepatent owner where
apatent isusedfortheservices oftheCrown, andthegovernment orcontractor, without making a
patent search, knows orhasdemonstrable grounds toknow thatitwilluseavalidpatent? (Article 31
TRIPS)
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Could theGovernment ofNewZealand clarify whether anauthorization tousealayout-design
byoronbehalf oftheCrown isliable tobeterminated ifandwhen thecircumstances which ledto
itcease toexistandareunlikely torecur? Isthecontinued existence ofthese circumstances subject
toreview bythecompetent authority? Please explain. (Article 37TRIPS)
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Onwhatbasisandunder whatconditions doesNewZealand grant theprotection toundisclosed
information provided forunder Article 39.2TRIPS?
2. HowdoesNewZealandprotectconfidentialinformationdisclosedtoaNewZealandGovernment
Department orStatutory Body under Section 35C(1)(b) oftheAnimal Remedies Amendment Act1994,
Section 35C(1)(b) ofthePesticides Amendment Act1994, andSection 23C(1)(b) oftheMedicines
Amendment Act1994 against unfair commercial use? Arethere anylimitations totheconditions in
which suchinformation maybedisclosed? (Article 39.3TRIPS)
3. How doesNewZealand protect confidential information disclosed tothepersons orbodies
asprovided under Section 35C(1) oftheAnimal Remedies Amendment Act1994, Section 35C(1) of
thePesticides Amendment Act1994, andSection 23B(1) oftheMedicines Amendment Act1994?
Arethereanylimitations astotheconditions inwhich suchinformation maybedisclosed? (Article 39.3
TRIPS)IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page15
NORWAY
Patents
1. AccordingtotheNorwegianPatentsActSection1subsection4no.2,patentsshallnotbegranted
for"essentially biological processes fortheproduction ofplants oranimals". Thisprovision hasbeen
interpreted bytheNorwegian patent authorities tocover allprocesses fortheproduction ofplants or
animals. Could theNorwegian Government explain howthese provisions andthepractice oftheAct
comply withArticle 27.3(b) oftheTRIPS Agreement? Inparticular, aremicrobiological processes
andtheproducts thereof patentable?
2. Theamendments tothePatent ActSections 46and49,adopted byActof20December 1996
no.104,donotinclude anyprovision corresponding totheTRIPS Agreement Article 31(f)("anysuch
useshallbeauthorized predominantly forthesupply ofthedomestic market ").According toOdelstings
Proposition no.73(1995-96) pp.5-6,theMinistry ofJustice isoftheopinion thatitisnotnecessary
tolegislate Article 31(f) asthecourt willtakeintoconsideration thesupply ofthedomestic market
when prescribing thescope ofthelicence. Could theNorwegian Government clarify whether andto
whatextent theprovision laiddown inArticle 31(f) willbebinding inthecourts inlightofthefact
thatthisprovision isonlymentioned inthepreparatory works oftheActandnotintheActitself?
3. According totheActof12March 1993relating toPlant Breeders 'Rights (IP/N/1/NOR/P/3)
Section 1,plant breeders 'rights mayonlybegranted tovariety owners who(a)areresidents orhave
theirregistered office inthisrealm, or(b)arenationals oforareresidents orhavetheirresident office
inaStatewhich isamember oftheInternational Union fortheProtection ofNewVarieties ofPlants.
According tothelastparagraph ofSection 1,theKing mayprescribe thatplant breeders 'rights may
begrantedinothercases.AccordingtoRegulationsconcerningPlantBreeders'Rights(IP/N/1/NOR/P/4)
Section 2,plant breeders 'rights maybegranted toapplicants fromcountries which arenotmembers
oftheUnion ifitisofparticular significance toNorwegian plant production, orwhen warranted by
other considerations. Thisdoesnotseem tofullyimplement thenational treatment obligation under
Article 3oftheTRIPS Agreement. Please explain.
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. According toSection 7,paragraphs 2and3ofActof15June1990 no.27relating tothe
Protection ofLayout-design forIntegrated Circuits (IP/N/1/NOR/L/1), acourt may, under special
circumstances, decide thataperson whoingood faithhasacquired acopyofalayout-design, shall
havetherighttoimport, commercially exploit orreproduce itonreasonable conditions aslaiddown
bythecourt. Under quite special circumstances, acourt maydecide thatanegligent acquirer shall
havethesame rights. Thisdoesnotseem toimplement theentire scope ofArticle 37.1oftheTRIPS
Agreement. Please explain.
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. CouldtheNorwegianGovernmentexplainwhetherandhowArticle39.3oftheTRIPSAgreement
isimplemented inNorwegian law?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page16
POLAND
Patents
1. Article 12oftheLawonInventiveness of19October 1972("Law onInventiveness") excludes
from patent protection inPoland products fornuclear reactions. Please explain howthisexclusion
complies withTRIPS Article 27.2, which exhaustively limits thecircumstances inwhich aMember
State maydenypatent protection toproducts orprocesses.
2. Article 16oftheLawonInventiveness provides apatent holder theexclusive righttofinancial
benefits fromapplication oftheinvention andtouseofinvention inacommercial fieldorforcommercial
purposes. Please explain howthelimitation tofinancial benefits andcommercial useisconsistent with
TRIPS Articles 28and30.
3. Forapplications forprotection which werepending onthedateofapplication oftheAgreement,
howdoyourauthoritiescomplywithTRIPSArticle70.7whichallowstheamendmentoftheapplications
toclaim enhanced protection?
4. Under TRIPS Article 70.2, theAgreement gives risetoobligations inrespect ofallsubject
matter existing atthedateofapplication andwhich wasprotected onthesaiddate. Byvirtue ofthis
clause, doesyour country givethepossibility forpatents which were granted before thedateof
application oftheAgreement tobeextended to20years, tocomply withTRIPS Article 33?
Integrated circuits
1. Pursuant toArticle 6,paragraph 1oftheLawonProtection ofTopographies ofIntegrated
Circuits of30October 1992 ("Integrated Circuit Law") onlytopographies thatareoriginal atthe
moment oftheirfiling forregistration areeligible forprotection. Please explain howthis
provision complies withTRIPS Article 35,which incorporates IPICArticle 3,paragraph 2(a)and
provides forprotection ofatopography solongasitwasoriginal atthetimeofitscreation.
2. Under Article 12,paragraph 2oftheIntegrated Circuit Law, incases ofaninitial
unknowing, unauthorized useofaprotected topography, Polish Lawprovides thatafterreceiving
notice thatthetopography isprotected, theinfringing party maycontinue tousethetopography on
terms andconditions "agreed withtherightholder". Please explain howtheLawcomplies with
TRIPS Article 37onunknowing, unauthorized use,which states thattheinfringing party "shall be
liable topaytotherightholder asumequivalent toareasonable royalty suchaswould bepayable
under afreely negotiated licence".
Undisclosed information
1. Article 11,Section 1oftheUnfair Competition Lawprotects against aninfringement ofa
business secret onlyifsuchinfringement willendanger therightholder ’smaterial interest. Please
explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS Article 39,paragraph 2under which qualified
information must beprotected against anyunauthorized disclosure, acquisition orusethatis
"contrary tohonest commercial practices".
2. Please explain howPoland ensures protection ofundisclosed information submitted tothe
government asacondition ofmarketing approval forpharmaceutical oragricultural chemical
products asrequired byTRIPS Article 39,paragraph 3.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page17
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Patents
1. Isitacondition ofgranting acompulsory licence under theSlovak Patent Lawthatthe
proposed userhasmade efforts toobtain authorization from therightholder onreasonable
commercial terms andconditions (Article 31(b) TRIPS)?
2. How doestheSlovak Patent Lawlimittheduration ofacompulsory licence (Article 31(c)
TRIPS)?
3. Please explain whether andhowtheSlovak Patent Lawcomplies withthecondition of
non-exclusive useofacompulsory licence (Article 31(d) TRIPS)?
4. Does theSlovak Patent Lawprohibit assignment ofcompulsory licences (Article 31(e)
TRIPS)?
5. Does theSlovak Patent Lawrequire thattheuseofacompulsory licence beauthorized
predominantly forthesupply oftheSlovak market asrequired byArticle 31(f) ofTRIPS?
6. Could theSlovak Republic explain whether andhowtheSlovak Patent Lawprovides for
termination ofacompulsory licence when thecircumstances which ledtoitcease toexistandare
unlikely torecur?
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. What aretherules under theSlovak Patent Lawtoimplement Articles 39.1and39.2of
TRIPS? Please explain.
2. Does theSlovak lawprovide fortheprotection ofundisclosed testorother datawhich are
tobesubmitted asacondition ofapproving themarketing ofpharmaceutical orofagricultural
chemical products which utilize newchemical entities against unfair commercial use(Article 39.3
oftheTRIPS Agreement)?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page18
SLOVENIA
Patents
1. Article 12(1) oftheLawonIntellectual Property excludes patentability ofcertain
inventions thepublication oruseofwhich would becontrary tolawormorality. Isthereference
to"publication oruse"broader incoverage thantheterm"commercial exploitation" usedin
Article 27.2ofTRIPS todefine therelevant permitted exclusions from patentability?
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Onwhatbasis cantheSlovenian court reach decisions concerning royalties forthe
commercial exploitation ofprotected layout designs incases where therightholder andtheperson
exploiting thedesign havenotreached agreement? Istheconcept of"reasonable royalty" found in
Slovenian law(Article 37.1TRIPS)?
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. How isundisclosed testorother datawhich issubmitted totheSlovenian Government asa
condition ofapproving themarketing ofpharmaceutical orofagricultural chemical products
protected under Slovenian law(Article 39.3TRIPS)?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page19
SOUTH AFRICA
Patents
1. Is"offering forsale" ofapatented article (either accompanied ornotaccompanied by
possession ofthearticle) anactofinfringement ofthepatent (Article 28TRIPS)?
Is"importing" (forthepurposes ofmaking, using, offering forsaleorselling) apatented
article, anactofinfringement ofthepatent (Article 28TRIPS)?
2. Itisunderstood thatmoves areafoot forSouth Africa toaccede totheARIPO Protocol
andthat,inthatevent, anARIPO patent willhavethesame effect inSouth Africa asapatent
granted under theSouth African Patents Act. Such apatent would notbeinproper compliance
withSouth Africa 'sobligations under TRIPS. Inparticular, suchanARIPO patent, having effect
inSouth Africa, seems tobeinnon-compliance withtheprovisions ofTRIPS contained in:
Article 2readwithArticle 5bis(1)oftheParis Convention (latepayment ofrenewal fees);
Article 28.2(right toassign, transfer orlicense patent rights);
Article 32(judicial review);
Article 62(acquisition andmaintenance).
Could theGovernment ofSouth Africa please explain?
3. Aretheprovisions oftheSouth African Patents Actrelating tocompulsory licences:
- inrespect ofdependant patents, incompliance withArticle 31(l)ofTRIPS; and
- inthecaseofabuse ofpatent rights,
incompliance withArticle 31(a), (d),(e)or(g)?Please explain.
4. Interms ofSection 43(3) oftheSouth African Patents Act,aConvention patent
application automatically becomes opentoinspection afterthelapse ofeighteen months from the
earliest priority dateclaimed. Noequivalent provisions existforanon-Convention application
automatically becoming opentopublic inspection afterthelapse ofaneighteen month period.
Does thisnotmean that,inmany cases, therequirements ofArticle 2ofTRIPS, readwith
Article 2oftheParis Convention, would notbemet? Please explain.
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Noexception from thegeneral actsofinfringement ofadesign rightismade inthe
South African Designs Actinthecasewhere aregistered design, intheform ofanintegrated
circuit topography, ismade byathirdparty forprivate purposes orforthesolepurposes of
evaluation, analysis, research orteaching. Istheabsence ofsuchanexception notcontrary to
Article 35ofTRIPS readwithArticle 6(2)oftheTreaty inRespect ofIntegrated Circuits (1989)?
Please explain.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page20
2. Itisunderstood thatSouth Africa intends toaccede totheARIPO Protocol andthat,in
thatevent, anARIPO registered design, relating, forexample, toanintegrated circuit topography,
will(attheoption oftheapplicant) havethesame effect inSouth Africa asaregistered design
granted under theSouth African Designs Act. Would sucharegistered design beinproper
compliance withSouth Africa 'sobligations under TRIPS? Inparticular, would suchanARIPO
registered design, having effect inSouth Africa, beincompliance withtheprovisions ofTRIPS
contained inArticles 35,36and37?Please explain.
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. How doesthefundamental rightthateveryone hastherightofaccess to:
(a) anyinformation heldbytheStates; and
(b) anyinformation thatisheldbyanother person andthatisrequired fortheexercise
orprotection ofanyrights,
asformulated inSection 32(1) ofSouth Africa 'snewConstitution Act108of1996 accord with:
- Articles 39.1and39.2ofTRIPS, and
- Section 17oftheSouth African Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies
andStock Remedies Act36of1947 andSection 34oftheMedicines andRelated
Substances Control Act101of1965 readwithArticle 39.3ofTRIPS? Please
explain.
2. Inrelation totheexecution ofanAnton Pillar order, please describe thesafeguards
provided toprevent, inlinewithArticle 39.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, theperson granted the
order from obtaining confidential information notcovered bytheorder.
Control ofanti-competitive practices incontractual licences
1. What measures areinplace inSouth Africa tocounteract exclusive grantback conditions,
conditions preventing challenges tovalidity and(especially butnotonlyinthefilmindustry)
coercive packaging licensing inthestatutory provisions relating topatents, trademarks, copyright
anddesigns (Article 40ofTRIPS)? Please explain.
2. Isitcorrect tosaythattheprovisions ofSouth Africa 'sMaintenance andPromotion of
Competition Act96of1979:
- runcounter totheimport ofArticle 40ofTRIPS, and
- place theintellectual property rights acquired under thestatutory provisions
relating topatents, trademarks, copyright anddesigns intoacategory above other
similar rights?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page21
SWITZERLAND
Patents
1. Does Article 40oftheSwiss Patent Actprovide thatanauthorization forother usewithout
authorization oftherightholder according toArticle 31(a) TRIPS shallbeconsidered onits
individual merits?
2. Does Article 40paragraph 1oftheSwiss Patent Actimply that,asinsituations of
national emergency orcircumstances ofextreme urgency according toArticle 31(b) TRIPS, the
rightholder shallbenotified assoonasreasonably practicable?
3. Does Article 36paragraph 3oftheSwiss Patent Actinrespect ofcross-licences in
connection withtheexploitation ofapatent which cannot beexploited without infringing another
patent givetheowner ofthefirstpatent, according toArticle 31(l)(ii) TRIPS, arightfora
cross-licence "onreasonable terms" tousetheinvention claimed inthesecond patent?
4. Article 34.1(a) and(b)TRIPS provides thatinatleastoneofthefollowing circumstances
anyidentical product produced without theconsent ofthepatent owner shall, intheabsence of
proof tothecontrary, bedeemed tohavebeenobtained bythepatent process: either ifthe
product obtained bythepatent process isnew, or,ifthere isasubstantial likelihood thatthe
identical product wasmade bytheprocess andtheowner ofthepatent hasbeenunable through
reasonable efforts todetermine theprocess actually used.
Does Article 67paragraph 2oftheSwiss Patent Actprovide thechange intheonusof
proof asthisisstated inArticle 34.1TRIPS?
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. Does Article 1oftheSwiss ActofProtection ofTopographies ofSemi-Conductor
Products protect according toArticle 36TRIPS notonlyaprotected layout-design butalsoan
integrated circuit "inwhich aprotected layout-design isincorporated oranarticle incorporating
suchanintegrated circuit onlyinsofar asitcontinues tocontain anunlawfully reproduced layout-
design"?
2. Does Article 8oftheSwiss ActofProtection ofTopographies ofSemi-Conductor
Products provide thataperson using alayout-design according toArticle 37.1TRIPS shallbe
liable topaytotherightholder asumequivalent toareasonable royalty suchaswould bepayable
under afreely negotiated licence inrespect ofsuchalayout-design?
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Does theSwiss ActAgainst Unfair Competition grant protection ofundisclosed
information which isusedbyothers inamanner contrary tohonest commercial practices ifthe
disclosure isnotcaused byabreach ofcontract butbyabreach ofconfidence assuchprotection
isrequested under Article 39.2fn.10TRIPS?
2. How doesSwiss lawgrant protection ofundisclosed testorother dataregarding
pharmaceutical oragricultural chemical products inaccordance withArticle 39.3TRIPS?IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page22
UNITED STATES
Patents
1. 35U.S.C. §102(a) states thataperson isentitled toapatent unless (a)"theinvention was
known orusedbyothers inthiscountry ...before theinvention thereof bytheapplicant for
patent". Knowledge oruseoutside theUnited States isnotsufficient forthese purposes. Please
explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 27.1which provides, interalia,that
inventions must be"new [and] involve aninventive step" before patents shallissue andthat
"patent rights shallbeenjoyable without discrimination astotheplace ofinvention".
Furthermore, please explain howthisprovision complies withUSnational treatment obligations
under TRIPS Article 3andGATT Article III,given thatitaffords rights withrespect toUS
inventions thatitdoesnotafford toothers andthatthese rights overwhelmingly rebound tothe
benefit ofUSnationals?
2. 35U.S.C. §102(e) states thataperson isentitled toapatent unless "theinvention was
described inapatent granted onanapplication forpatent byanother filedintheUnited States
before theinvention thereof". Thesection further provides thataninternational application does
notbecome prior artuntilitsUSfiling date. Please explain howthisprovision complies with
TRIPS Article 27.1which provides, interalia,thatinventions must be"new [and] involve an
inventive step" before patents shallissue andthat"patent rights shallbeenjoyable without
discrimination astotheplace ofinvention". Please explain howUSlawcomplies withTRIPS
Article 27,given thatthestandards forobtaining a"Section 102(e)" dateforapplications that
originate primarily from USnationals (via35U.S.C. §111)differ from those thatoriginate under
thePatent Cooperation Treaty (i.e.those affecting primarily international applicants).
Furthermore, please explain howthisprovision complies withUSnational treatment obligations
under TRIPS Article 3andGATT Article III,given thatitaffords rights withrespect toUS
inventions thatitdoesnotafford toothers andthatthese rights overwhelmingly rebound tothe
benefit ofUSnationals?
3. 35U.S.C. §102(g) states thataperson isentitled toapatent unless "before the
applicant ’sinvention thereof theinvention wasmade inthiscountry byanother whohadnot
abandoned, suppressed, orconcealed it".Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS
Article 27.1which provides, interalia,thatinventions must be"new [and] involve aninventive
step" before patents shallissue andthat"patent rights shallbeenjoyable without discrimination as
totheplace ofinvention". Furthermore, please explain howthisprovision complies withUS
national treatment obligations under TRIPS Article 3andGATT Article III,given thatitaffords
rights withrespect toUSinventions thatitdoesnotafford toothers andthatthese rights
overwhelmingly rebound tothebenefit ofUSnationals?
4. TheAtomic Energy Act(at42U.S.C. §2183) provides thattheUSNuclear Regulatory
Commission maydeclare anypatent tobe"affected withthepublic interest". Thisdetermination
entitles theUSGovernment tousetheinvention andallows anythirdparty toapply tothe
Government foralicence tousetheinvention. Section 2184 prevents USCourts from enjoining
infringing activity ofsuchalicensee. Please explain howthese provisions comply withTRIPS
(notably Article 31).
5. TheClean AirAct(at42U.S.C. §7608) provides thattheAttorney General oftheUnited
States mayprocure acourt order requiring apatent owner tolicense to"anyperson" apatented
invention deemed "necessary" toenable thatperson tocomply withairpollution emission laws,
including lawsregulating emissions from automobiles orstationary sources. Please explain how
these provisions comply withTRIPS (notably Article 31).IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page23
6. 28U.S.C. §1498 provides thataremedy against theUnited States Government 's
infringement ofapatented invention maybehadviaalawsuit brought intheUnited States Court
ofFederal Claims. USCourts donotpermit patent owners "adequate" remuneration, denying,
forexample, theaward oflostprofits. Furthermore, there exists substantial evidence thatsuch
infringements often goundetected, astheyoccur inthecontext ofclassified orotherwise secret
USprogrammes. Please explain howthese circumstances, including theprovisions of
28U.S.C. §1498, comply withTRIPS (notably Article 31). Inparticular, please explain how
these provisions comply withtherequirement ofTRIPS Article 31(h) thatrightholders shallbe
paid"adequate remuneration ...taking intoaccount theeconomic value oftheauthorization"?
7. 28U.S.C. §1498 provides thatprivate parties whoinfringe third-party patents inthe
course ofperforming work under contract withtheUnited States Government areimmune from
patent infringement liability andmaynotbeenjoined. Apatent holder ’ssoleremedy isviaa
lawsuit against theUSGovernment, assetforth intheprior question. Please explain howthese
provisions comply withTRIPS (notably Article 31).
8. Recent amendments to35U.S.C. §287,viatheinclusion ofnewsubsection (c),provide
exemptions from infringement liability, andhence ineffect acompulsory androyalty-free licence,
tophysicians, other licensed medical practitioners andrelated health careentities including
hospitals, universities, medical schools, nursing homes andclinics forthepractice ofpatented
medical activities. Please explain howthese provisions comply withTRIPS (notably Article 31).
9. 35U.S.C. §184requires applicants foraUSpatent toapply foralicence tofilean
application inaforeign jurisdiction within 6months offiling intheUS,under penalty oflossof
USpatent rights. Please explain howthisrequirement complies withTRIPS?
10. TheManual ofUSPatent Examining Procedures MPEP Section 708.02 (I)(3)obliges an
applicant whowants hisapplication tobetaken upforexamination outoftheordinary order, to
manufacture theinvention intheUSoritsterritories, inquantity immediately upon allowance of
claims orissuance ofapatent which willprotect theinvestment ofcapital facilities. Please
explain howthisprovision iscompatible withTRIPS Article 27.1which provides thatpatents shall
beavailable without discrimination asoftheplace ofinvention?
Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
1. 17U.S.C. §906(a)(1) provides thatitisnotaninfringement for"aperson toreproduce
themask work solely forthepurpose ofteaching, analysing, orevaluating theconcepts or
techniques embodied inthemask work orthecircuitry, logic flow, ororganization ofcomponents
usedinthemask work". Itdoesnotcontain anexception forreproduction forprivate purposes.
Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withtheTreaty onIntellectual Property inRespect
ofIntegrated Circuits (hereinafter "WIPO Treaty") Article 6,paragraph 2(a)asincorporated by
TRIPS Article 35.
2. 17U.S.C. §906(a)(2) provides thatitshallnotbeaninfringement toincorporate the
results ofananalysis orevaluation ofaprotected mask work into"anoriginal mask work which is
made tobedistributed ".Please explain howthatprovision complies withTRIPS Article 35and
WIPO Treaty Article §6(2)(b), which provide thatathirdparty whocreates anoriginal layout
design based upon theevaluation andanalysis ofaprotected design, mayincorporate thatdesign
intoanintegrated circuit without regard towhether thecircuit ismade tobedistributed.IP/C/W/56/Rev.1
Page24
Protection ofundisclosed information
1. Please explain howtheUnited States ensures protection ofundisclosed information as
required byTRIPS Article 39,given thattrade secrets areaunique statelawdomain andthateach
USstateisfreetodevelop -andmany indeed havedeveloped -arange ofdifferent rules inthis
area.
2. Please explain howtheUnited States ensure protection ofundisclosed information as
required byTRIPS Article 39,given thatUSstates generally useanarrower definition of"secret"
thansetforth inArticle 39.2(first indent), which defines thetermasinformation thatisnot
"generally known among orreadily accessible topersons within thecircles thatnormally dealwith
thekindofinformation inquestion".
3. Please explain howtheUnited States ensure protection ofundisclosed information as
required byTRIPS Article 39,given thatanumber ofUSjurisdictions donotabide bythe
culpability standard setforth inTRIPS Article 39.2andfootnote 10thatrequires suchinformation
maynotbetaken "inamanner contrary tohonest commercial principles".
4. Please explain howtheUnited States ensure protection ofundisclosed information as
required byTRIPS Article 39.3, given thatmaterials provided toUSauthorities asacondition of
approving themarketing ofpharmaceutical oragricultural chemical products which utilize new
chemical entities aresubject torelease under theUSFreedom ofInformation Act.