Historical Development of Intellectual Property Rights Regime: A Shift from GATT to WTO

In the present age of modernization, globalization and advancement of technology Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) play a pivotal role in the economic advancement of the holders of these rights. The notion of IPRs is centuries old and it owes a long history behind it. It is no coincidence that England was the country where the first major steps towards an industrial society were initiated. Whether this was a direct result of the patent system is a matter of debate, but it is without doubt that patents had a vital role to play in the Industrial Revolution. Patents and Industrial Designs are considered as the oldest IPRs (historically they were known as industrial rights). With the origin and development of other IPRs in England has a major place in world history and has set the mould for patent rights globally. This paper reveals that how the way of Intellectual Property Rights Regime was paved. It also makes it clear that what major steps were taken at the international level for strengthening the IPR regimes. The key focus of this paper is on the trade negotiations. It also evidences that how a major shift took place from GATT to WTO.