Intellectual Property Law

1. International Intellectual Property Framework
   1. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
      1. Historical Background
         1. Formation and purpose
         2. Evolution over time
      2. Structure and Governance
         1. Member states and bodies
         2. Administrative and policy-making organs
      3. Key Functions
         1. Policy development and harmonization
         2. Dispute resolution services
         3. Capacity building and technical assistance
         4. Public awareness and education initiatives
      4. Global Services
         1. PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) for patents
         2. Madrid System for trademarks
         3. Hague System for industrial designs
   2. International Treaties and Conventions
      1. Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
         1. Historical context and adoption
         2. Key principles and rights
         3. Minimum standards of protection
         4. Enforcement mechanisms and dispute resolution
      2. Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
         1. Historical context and significance
         2. Major provisions
            1. Right of priority
            2. National treatment
         3. Implementation and compliance
      3. TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
         1. Relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO)
         2. Main components and requirements
            1. Standards for protection and enforcement
            2. Dispute settlement procedures
         3. Impact on developing countries
            1. Flexibilities and exemptions
            2. Capacity building and technical cooperation
      4. Other significant treaties
         1. Patent Law Treaty (PLT)
         2. Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks
         3. WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
         4. WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
   3. Regional Systems
      1. European Patent Office (EPO)
         1. Function and responsibilities
         2. Member states and cooperation with national offices
         3. Grant procedure under EPC (European Patent Convention)
         4. Opposition and appeal process
      2. ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization)
         1. Establishment and objectives
         2. Protocols managed by ARIPO
            1. Harare Protocol on patents
            2. Banjul Protocol on marks
         3. Member states and regional cooperation
      3. OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle)
         1. Background and purpose
         2. Bangui Agreement components
         3. Member states and operational structure
      4. Other regional collaboration mechanisms
         1. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Patent Office
         2. EAPO (Eurasian Patent Organization)
         3. Regional cooperation in Asia-Pacific and Latin America
   4. Harmonization and Implementation
      1. Challenges in aligning national laws with international standards
      2. Mechanisms for resolving conflicts between international and domestic laws
      3. Role of national IP offices in global IP system integration
      4. Impact of harmonization on innovation and investment
   5. Future Directions
      1. Trends towards greater international cooperation
      2. Potential reforms and updates to existing treaties
      3. Balancing diverse economic and cultural interests within the framework
      4. Role of emerging economies in shaping future of international IP policy