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Intellectual Property and Access to Clean Energy Technologies in Developing Countries

Intellectual Property and Access to Clean Energy Technologies in Developing Countries

Full Title: Intellectual Property and Access to Clean Energy Technologies in Developing Countries
Author(s): John H. Barton and George Osborne
Publisher(s): International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development
Publication Date: December 1, 2007
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

As part of the world’s move to combat global warming, developing nations are likely to seek to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases, and particularly of carbon dioxide (CO2 ).They may have to obtain new technologies in order to do so. This paper explores whether there will be barriers, particularly intellectual property (IP) barriers, to access those technologies. To do so, it examines the industrial structure of three sectors, photo-voltaic (PV), bio-mass and wind energy. It concentrates on the more scientifically advanced developing countries such as Brazil, China, and India.

There are several modes of technology transfer. One is to provide products incorporating the technology, e.g. ozone-layer-safe coolant compounds or photovoltaic panels for off-grid electrical supply. Another is to license the capability to produce such products, perhaps to an indigenous firm or perhaps to a joint venture. And a final one is to support developing national capability to research and produce the products independent of a licensor (or at least in a relatively equal position with the licensor).

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

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