US Trade Rep "Mystified" by Development Agenda

According to an article in the September 29 issue of "Bridges" monthly review, the United States is a staunch opponent of mandatory disclosure requirements for biological resources or TK in patent applications, as well as one of the keenest supporters of the WIPO Patent Agenda, which aims at harmonising patent application and maintenance procedures. US Deputy Trade Representative Peter Allgeier said he was "mystified" by the Development Agenda initiative, claiming that "the primary beneficiaries of stronger IPR protection in Brazil would be Brazilian artists and innovators, and investment in high-technology industries."