Kristie Thomas – författare

Through a detailed analysis of the example of China and the World Trade Organization, this book considers how developing countries are defined and, more importantly, how developing countries could be better defined in international economic law.What is a developing country? How should developing countries be categorized for the purpose of providing aid or support? Is China still a developing country despite being the world's second-largest economy? There are currently a variety of ways in which developing countries are categorized, none of which are satisfactory. Once a country is designated as 'developing', it then receives significant developmental support and aid. This book aims to contribute to identifying innovative solutions to the question of how developing countries should be designated in the field of international economic law. The book uses the example of China and its controversial continuing status as a developing country by the World Trade Organization in order to provide an in-depth analysis of the wider issue of how developing countries should be defined and categorized in international economic law.This book will be of interest to scholars in international economic law, law and development, political science, and international relations, as well as policymakers working in relevant areas.

Since its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001, China has been committed to full compliance with the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. This text considers the development of intellectual property in China, and offers an interdisciplinary analysis of China’s compliance with the TRIPS Agreement using theories originating in international relations and law. It notes that despite significant efforts to amend China’s substantive IP laws to prepare for WTO accession and sweeping changes to domestic legislation, a significant gap existed between the laws on paper and as enforced in practice, and that infringements to the agreement are still prevalent. The book examines how compliance with international rules can be promoted and encouraged in a specific jurisdiction. Making a case for a wider, more interdisciplinary and global outlook, it contends that compliance needs to align with the national interests of relevant countries and jurisdictions, as governments’ economic interests support the greater enforcement of the IP laws.

Since its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001, China has been committed to full compliance with the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. This text considers the development of intellectual property in China, and offers an interdisciplinary analysis of China’s compliance with the TRIPS Agreement using theories originating in international relations and law. It notes that despite significant efforts to amend China’s substantive IP laws to prepare for WTO accession and sweeping changes to domestic legislation, a significant gap existed between the laws on paper and as enforced in practice, and that infringements to the agreement are still prevalent. The book examines how compliance with international rules can be promoted and encouraged in a specific jurisdiction. Making a case for a wider, more interdisciplinary and global outlook, it contends that compliance needs to align with the national interests of relevant countries and jurisdictions, as governments’ economic interests support the greater enforcement of the IP laws.