WIPO and TRIPS — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2002

Consider the following statements:

1. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is a specialised agency of United Nations System of Organisations
2. WIPO has its headquarters at Rome
3. The Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement is binding on all WTO members
4. Least developed country members of WTO are not required to apply the provisions of TRIPS Agreements for a period of 20 years from the general date of application of the Agreement

Which of these statements are correct?

1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Statement 1 is correct because the World Intellectual Property Organisation is a specialised agency of the UN. Statement 2 is incorrect because WIPO is headquartered in Geneva, not Rome. Statement 3 is correct since the TRIPS Agreement is binding on all WTO members. Statement 4 is incorrect because the transition period granted to least developed countries under TRIPS was not universally fixed at 20 years.

Answer: (d) 1 and 3