The International Patent System and Third World Development: Reality Or Myth?

This article examines the impact on Third World countries of their membership in the international patent system. Professor Oddi begins by discussing the traditional rationale for the existence of a patent system. He concludes that although this rationale may have some validity for developed countries, the rationale is not applicable to developing countries. The institution of a patent system in a developing country may confer significant social costs on that country; membership in the international patent system may exacerbate those costs.

For those countries that do belong to the international patent system, Professor Oddi suggests changes to ameliorate the costs they will bear.