https://hdl.handle.net/10419/232118 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:26:22 GMT 2026-10-22T21:26:22Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/308770 Title: International regulation of industrial designs: The TRIPS Agreement in the light of European Union law Authors: Sicot, Adèle Abstract: This paper analyzes the provisions of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) on industrial designs, and the manner in which the narrow aspects dealt with by the Agreement have been addressed by European Union (EU) legislation. The paper highlights the absence of a definition of protectable subject matter, and the considerable flexibility left to the member countries of the World Trade Organization to determine the framework of protection, notably on the basis of copyright. The paper also notes certain areas in which European legislation is more elaborate, and others which could be considered incompatible with the TRIPS Agreement. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/308770 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/318434 Title: Application de l'exception Bolar: Différentes approches dans le droit de l'UE Authors: Doubinsky, Dmytro Abstract: This Research Paper addresses the growing problem of access to essential medicines, focusing on the role of intellectual property rights, particularly patent rights, in restricting access by enabling pharmaceutical market monopolies that keep drug prices high. The paper explores the Bolar exception, a legal mechanism designed to allow generic drug manufacturers to seek regulatory approval before a patent expires, thus preventing the de facto extension of patent monopolies. The study examines the transformation of the Bolar exception from a specific legal case into a significant tool of intellectual property, commercial, and pharmaceutical law. The paper analyzes key international legal frameworks and European directives related to the Bolar exception and highlights divergent interpretations of the Exception in German and Polish case law. Through this comparative analysis, the paper argues for the broader implementation of Bolar exceptions to improve access to affordable medicines and reduce healthcare costs. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/318434 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/312924 Title: Will the pact for the future advance a common global agenda on the challenges facing humanity? Authors: Munoz Tellez, Viviana; Danish; Chowdhary, Abdul Muheet; Syam, Nirmalya; Terán, Daniel Uribe Abstract: At a time when multilateralism is needed more than ever to address the global challenges and rising geopolitical tensions, paradoxically, the capacity and delegated power of the United Nations (UN) to uphold a rule-based order to keep peace and security is being weakened. Even in an increasingly multipolar world, a retreat towards unilateralism by world powers masked as national sovereignty is dangerous and highly unfavourable for developing countries. In this light, the United Nations Pact for the Future, a new forward-looking agenda of commitments adopted by consensus by UN Member States in September 2024, is a welcome initiative. The Pact for the Future, nonetheless, is short in delivering commitments on transformative changes in global governance and solutions to the most pressing global challenges. This document briefly examines some of the actions and high-level commitments in the Pact of the Future to strengthen multilateral cooperation and provides recommendations for their implementation. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/312924 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/312875 Title: Assessing five years of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Proposals on potential amendments Authors: Africa, Kiiza Abstract: On 30th May 2024, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) celebrated its fifth anniversary, which legally implied that the agreement is up for review for possible amendments. To kickstart this review, the Thirty-Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit (held in February 2024) directed the AfCFTA Secretariat to take necessary measures for the start of the review of the Agreement. This review comes at a moment when the AfCFTA implementation and its vehicle, the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), have been fraught with challenges. Broadly, these challenges include the slow submission of tariff liberalization schedules by State Parties, infrastructure deficits, persistent non-tariff barriers and trade wars in regional economic communities, and overlapping regional trade commitments. Thus, the upcoming AfCFTA review provides an opportunity to assess progress, identify implementation bottlenecks, and propose actionable amendments. This paper examines these challenges through a comprehensive analysis of the AfCFTA's state of play, illuminating the progress while highlighting the slow momentum registered for the past five years of its operation. Proposals for the agreement's amendment revolve on accelerating infrastructure development, harmonizing rules of origin, integrating labor rights, and fostering industrial diversification. By moving beyond liberalization as its raison d'être and prioritizing the scaling up of State Parties' productive capacities, the AfCFTA can evolve from a mere trade liberalization agreement into a transformative driver of Africa's economic renaissance. It is hoped that this timely assessment underscores the urgency of reorienting the AfCFTA to unlock its full potential for propelling intra-Africa trade. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/312875 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z