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Use of LDC-specific TRIPS flexibilities by Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, and the potential impacts of LDC graduation

Author

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  • Cecilia Oh

Abstract

Least developed countries (LDCs) benefit from flexibilities under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), including an extended transition period for implementation of the agreement and a specific transition period that exempts LDCs from providing pharmaceutical product patent and test data protection. When countries graduate from the LDC category, they no longer benefit from these flexibilities. Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania are on the path to graduation. This study assesses the potential impacts of graduation for Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania in regard to the loss of the LDC-specific special and differential treatment provisions and flexibilities under the TRIPS Agreement. These impacts depend on the different uses countries have made of the flexibilities and the characteristics of their domestic industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Oh, 2026. "Use of LDC-specific TRIPS flexibilities by Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, and the potential impacts of LDC graduation," CDP Background Papers 064, United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:une:cpaper:064
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    File URL: https://policy.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/cdp-bp-2026-64.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F68 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Policy
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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