Vandana Shiva

The argument frequently promoted for a uniform worldwide IPR system is that such a system will promote investment research and technology transfer in developing countries. The 'disclosure' clauses in patent laws which are related to medieval incentives for 'revealing the mysteries of the art' are now conveniently projected as necessary for the transferring of knowledge to society. However, the opposite is true. When companies can import products under import monopolies granted by patents, they have no incentive to set up local R&D, or transfer technology for local production.