IP in Trade Agreements: Make or Break?

The mutual protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights between nations is central to stimulating innovation and encouraging cross-border trade. However, negotiating trade agreements and obtaining a consensus on all terms of the deal is complicated, and how best to reflect IP is no easy feat as well. The road to an agreement can be a lengthy one—and to implementation, even lengthier. Several recent trade agreements highlighted here reflect the paths in various jurisdictions.