. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  IP/C/W/425 
16 August 2004  
 
(04-3441) 
Council for Trade-Related Aspects 
of Intellectual Property Rights Original:   English 
 
 
 
 
REQUEST FROM MALDIVES FOR AN EXTE NSION OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD 
UNDER ARTICLE 66.1 OF THE TRIPS AGREEMENT 
 
Communication from Maldives  
 
   The following communication, dated 15 August 2004,  is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Maldives. 
 
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   Pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 66 of  the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of 
Intellectual Property Rights, Maldives requests th e Council for TRIPS to accord to Maldives an 
extension of the period provided for in the paragra ph for a further five years for implementation of the 
TRIPS Agreement.   Please find attached a note on the motivation of this request. 
 
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 IP/C/W/425 
Page 2  
 
 
NOTE ON THE MOTIVATION OF THE REQUEST FROM MALDIVES FOR THE 
FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 1 OF ARTICLE 66 OF THE 
TRIPS AGREEMENT FOR THE IMPLEM ENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT 
  
  Maldives is a least-developed country.  Maldives seeks an extension of five years pursuant to 
paragraph 1 of Article 66 of the TRIPS Agreem ent for the implementation of the Agreement. 
 
 Maldives has taken steps towards establishing an appropriate intellectual property protection 
system.  In this regard, Maldives has drafted an IP R protection law and regulation.  Both are expected 
to be implemented upon passage through relevant institutions. 
  This year, Maldives gained membership of WI PO which has provided technical assistance in 
preparing an IPR Protection Plan for Maldives.  The proposed Plan includes setting up of an 
IP Office, training and implementation of international IP law, among other things. 
  The project is expected to cost up to US$400,000 and,  therefore, is likely to take some time to 
source a donor and commencement.  
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