Intellectual Property Rights: A Focus on Medicinal Plant Products from Africa

Abstract

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) has been the subject of voluminous literature. Much has been written about its origin, implications and dispositions. Yet, the subject of IPRs is fraught with murky issues, especially as it applies to developing countries. This paper will examine IPRs within the context of developing countries, in particular those in Africa. It will cite examples in the field of traditional medicine/medicinal plants to show how IPRs have been applied in the past. This paper will also try to chart a few pointers for the future to turn the tide in favour of developing countries in Africa by focusing more on potential collaboration among developing countries.