To stimulate technological development, it is necessary that intellectual property be clearly rewarded. It is not, therefore, surprising that international fora have discussed the issues of IPR and patents. This article, which has been presented during the DOST-PIDS Seminar-Discussion on “Intellectual Property Rights: Policy Issues and Perspectives” on December 13, 1991, provides a background on U.S., Mexican and Philippine patent laws. Highlights of the Budapest Treaty and patent protection on biotechnology are also discussed.
