The member countries may provide for higher standards of protection as they deem fit. As per current requirements, member countries which did not provide product patents in certain areas of technology as on 1.1.1995, can delay the grant of product patents in those areas up to 1.1.2005. India falls under this category since Indian Patent laws do not provide for the grant of product patents. EMRs are available for five years from grant or till the patent is granted or rejected, whichever is earlier. The TRIPs agreement requires member countries to comply with the substantive provisions of the Berne Convention in respect of copyrights and related rights.
Computer programmes are to be protected as literary works.
The term of protection for copyrights and right of performers and producers of phonograms is to be no less than 50 years. In case of broadcasting organizations, the term of protection is to be at least 20 years. India is a signatory to the Berne Convention and Indian Copyright laws conform to the all WTO requirements. The law was amended in December 1999 to grant a 25 year term of protection for neighbouring rights. Trademarks WTO obligations required member countries to give equal protection to service marks as to trade marks.