Delivering harmony: the interface between IP, competition and human rights

This paper will build upon arguments I have developed elsewhere that IP, competition and human rights can and should be combined within the existing UK legal framework, such that findings of infringement will be avoided in relation to technologies of groundbreaking and fundamental societal importance. These arguments may provide an immediate solution to particular problems; however, they will, or may, be of limited impact for others.

There is also a need, therefore, for the interface between intellectual property, competition and human rights to be used to make a wider contribution. As a preliminary step in this regard, this paper will explore the extent to which the legal interface between these three fields can contribute to international policy development in relation to information, communication and environmental protection. Particular reference will be made to literature regarding regime shifting and governance in relation to IP, to the World Summit on the Information Society and the draft Access to Knowledge Treaty.