Intellectual Property, Climate Change and Technology Transfer in South Asia

Abstract

The impact of climate change has emerged as a major threat to the sustainable growth and economic development of South Asia. The use of clean technologies is crucial for countries in the region to address climate change and achieve a low-carbon economy. At one end of the spectrum, the development of clean technology requires extensive research and investment; a strong patent system and the promise of substantial financial revenues in return are of paramount importance. At the other end, stringent intellectual property rights (IPRs) increase the cost of technological acquisition, making it difficult for economically unstable developing countries to make use of the patented technology. The role of IPRs in the transfer of climate change technologies to developing countries has therefore emerged in recent years as a highly controversial issue. This book chapter presents a critical analysis of how IPRs affect diffusion of clean technology into countries in South Asia.