Impact of the World Trade Organisation TRIPS Agreement on the Intellectual Property Laws of ...

543 Pages·2014·4.8 MB·English

Impact of the World Trade Organisation TRIPS Agreement on
the Intellectual Property Laws of Nigeria

by

TEMITOPE OREDOLA OLOKO

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree

DOCTOR LEGUM

in the

FACULTY OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

OCTOBER 2014

Supervisor: Prof S J Cornelius
Co-supervisor: Prof E du Plessis
Declaration of Originality

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that this thesis, which I submit for the degree
Doctor Legum in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, is my own work
and has not previously been submitted for a degree at another university.

I have correctly cited and acknowledged all my sources.

SIGNED: __________________________________
TEMITOPE OREDOLA OLOKO

DATE: __________________________________

SUPERVISOR: __________________________________
PROF STEVE CORNELIUS

DATE: __________________________________

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Abstract
The primary purpose of this study is to determine the consequence of the Agreement on
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) on the intellectual
property laws in Nigeria. The discussion centers on the examination for compliance of the
three main laws on intellectual property in Nigeria, as well as the enforcement mechanism
for these laws. As the field of intellectual property continues to expand and impact on vital
spheres, such as health care, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and access to
information, there is a need to safeguard and sustain a beneficial response to concerns about
the impact of the relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement and its application to
intellectual property in Nigeria. The impact of the TRIPS Agreement on developing
countries has been a subject of extensive and intense debate, however very little has been
focused on Nigeria.
The thesis demonstrates, despite the fact that the Nigerian intellectual property laws have not
been reviewed since Nigeria‘s adoption of the TRIPS Agreement, that the laws are mostly
compliant and capable of being adapted to encourage the vital spheres. However, it is noted
in this study that the flexibilities provided in the TRIPS Agreement are glaringly absent but
are needed to tolerate and sustain a beneficial response to the queries on the impact of the
TRIPS Agreement and its implication for intellectual property in Nigeria.
The challenges facing intellectual property from a legal, educational and developmental
perspective were highlighted as having a great effect on the growth of intellectual property.
The thesis concludes that although the present legal framework provides a measure of
compliance, the benefit of a reformed legal frame work to Nigeria cannot be overstated.
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Dedication

To the Almighty God
&
Luqman Oloko
(For your immeasurable sacrifice)
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Acknowledgements

This journey was undertaken with the help and support of God and so many loved ones. I
feel blessed for having such people around me. I am most grateful.
My profound gratitude goes to my supervisor Prof Steve Cornelius, who has been extremely
supportive throughout this humbling experience and for his scholarly leadership. It has been
my greatest pleasure to work with you. To my co-supervisor Prof. Esme Du Plessis, despite
her other responsibilities still found time to unswervingly attend to my manuscripts. I say
thank you.
I wish to thank my mother Hon. Justice Bolarinde Fadoju, for her never wavering love, her
unquantifiable support and her absolute believe in me. I also thank my father, Prof. Olusegun
Yerokun for his love and encouragement. To my mother-in-law Alhaja Adunni Oloko your
contribution to the completion of this journey is no small measure, thank you for the love and
for standing by me.
To my astounding husband Luqman and my children Kiitan, Tito and Taayo who have
persevered my absence from normal family life for so long, I say a big thank you. Luqman
your sacrifice is much, you took on the role of father and mother for all the years of my
absence without complaint and you were only always filled with encouraging words when
my enthusiasm waned. You impressed upon me the need to keep going, when I was
struggling. Kiitan, Tito and Taayo who make me feel missed whenever I go home, God
bless you.
To my wonderful family, Mrs C.M Yerokun, Kunle Adeoye, Ronke Oluwadiya, Tolulope
Yerokun, Seyi Yerokun I say thanks for the support. To my fabulous sister in law, Bolajoko
Aboderin for your support and love, your ata suesue is much appreciated! To my family in
Pretoria, Remi, Dayo, mama K and mama T thanks for the support. You made my stay in
South Africa beautiful.
To my inspiring and adorable Ajoke! (Oluremi Oyekunle) We came, we saw and we
conquered. You made the journey easy to go through, your support is immense, you are
much appreciated. I would also like to appreciate the amazing people I had the privilege of
being with during this program: Demola Jegede, Ngwaru Magbembe, Ally Posi, Beredugo,
Alabo, Azubike and Luqman. This acknowledgement will not be complete if I fail to mention
the amiable Jeanne-Kay Gooddale who is ever so helpful. Thank you JK!
I owe a debt of gratitude to the University of Pretoria to giving me the opportunity to study
here. My gratitude also goes to Lagos State University for granting me leave from teaching,
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without which this study would not have been possible and for all the necessary support
given.
Post-humously, I would like to acknowledge my brother in-law Habeeb Oloko for laying the
foundation for this journey.
I boast of no strength of my own, all the glory must be unto the LORD who is worth of my
praise. JESUS IS LORD!
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Table of Contents

Declaration of Originality ......................................................................................................... i
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Dedication ................................................................................................................................ iii
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... iv
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... vi
Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................................................. xix
CHAPTER 1:General Introduction ...................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Research Problem and Statement ........................................................................... 8
1.3 Purpose of the Research ....................................................................................... 10
1.4 Research Question ................................................................................................ 11
1.5 Significance of the Research ................................................................................ 16
1.6 Existing Studies .................................................................................................... 11
1.7 Research Methodology ......................................................................................... 16
1.8 Limitation of Research ......................................................................................... 18
1.9 Chapter Overview ................................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 2: Intellectual Property in International Context ......................................... 22
2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 22
2.2 Theories on the Recognition and Reception of International Law ....................... 24
2.3 World Intellectual Property Organisation............................................................. 27
2.4 World Trade Organisation (WTO) ....................................................................... 31
2.4.1 Background: The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ................................ 31
2.4.2 The Uruguay Round ............................................................................................. 33
2.4.3 The Emergence of the WTO ................................................................................. 34
2.4.4 Summary ............................................................................................................... 38
2.5 World Health Organisation ................................................................................... 39
2.6 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) .. 42
2.7 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 45
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CHAPTER 3: Substantive Provisions of the TRIPS Agreement ..................................... 48
3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 48
3.2 Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property ............................ 49
3.2.1 Preamble ............................................................................................................... 54
3.2.2 Objectives and Principles ..................................................................................... 55
3.2.2.1 Objectives of the TRIPS Agreement Article 7 ..................................................... 57
3.2.2.2 Article 8: Principles .............................................................................................. 60
3.2.2.3 Applicability of the Objectives and Principles ..................................................... 62
3.3 Substantive Provisions of the TRIPS Agreement ................................................. 65
3.3.1 Copyright and Related Rights ............................................................................... 65
3.3.1.1 Article 9.1: Rights or Obligations in respect of Copyrights ................................. 66
3.3.1.2 Article 10: Computer Programs ............................................................................ 67
3.3.1.3 Article 11: Rental Rights ...................................................................................... 68
3.3.1.4 Article 12: Term of Protection of Copyrights ...................................................... 68
3.3.1.5 Article 13: Limitations and Exceptions to Copyright ........................................... 69
3.3.1.6 Article 14.1: Right of Protection of Performers ................................................... 71
3.3.1.7 Article 14.2: Right of Producers of Phonograms ................................................. 72
3.3.1.8 Article 14.3: Broadcasting Organisations ............................................................. 73
3.3.1.9 Article 14.4: Rental Rights ................................................................................... 74
3.3.1.10 Article 14.5: Term of Protection........................................................................... 75
3.3.1.11 Article 14.6: Conditions, Limitations, Exceptions and Reservations ................... 75
3.3.1.12 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 76
3.3.2 Trade Marks .......................................................................................................... 77
3.3.2.1 Article 15: Protectable Subject Matter ................................................................. 77
3.3.2.2 Article: 15.2: Denial Grounds .............................................................................. 79
3.3.2.3 Article 15.3: Use ................................................................................................... 79
3.3.2.4 Article 15.4: Nature of the Goods or Services...................................................... 80
3.3.2.5 Article 15.5: Publication ....................................................................................... 81
3.3.2.6 Article 16: Rights Conferred ................................................................................ 81
3.3.2.7 Article 16.2: Well Known Marks ......................................................................... 82
3.3.2.8 Article 16.3: Application of Well-Known marks to Different Goods and Services
............................................................................................................................. 84
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3.3.2.9 Article 17: Exception ............................................................................................ 85
3.3.2.10 Article 19: Requirement of Use ............................................................................ 85
3.3.2.11 Article 19.2 and 21: Licensing and Assignment................................................... 86
3.3.2.12 Article 20: Other Requirements ............................................................................ 86
3.3.2.13 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 87
3.3.3 Geographical Indications ...................................................................................... 87
3.3.3.1 Article 22: Protection of Geographical Indications .............................................. 88
3.3.3.2 Article 23: Additional Protection for Geographical Indications for Wines and
Spirits .................................................................................................................... 89
3.3.3.3 Article 24: International Negotiations; Exceptions .............................................. 90
3.3.4 Patent .................................................................................................................... 92
3.3.4.1 Article 27.1: Patentable Subject Matter ................................................................ 92
3.3.4.2 Article 27.2: Excludable Subject Matter .............................................................. 94
3.3.4.3 Article 27.3 (b): Biotechnology Clause ................................................................ 95
3.3.4.4 Article 28: Patent Rights Conferred ..................................................................... 98
3.3.4.5 Article 29: Conditions on Patent Applicants ........................................................ 98
3.3.4.6 Article 30: Exceptions to Patent Rights Conferred .............................................. 99
3.3.4.7 Article 31: Compulsory Licences ....................................................................... 100
3.3.4.8 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 105
3.4 Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement ...................................................... 105
3.4.1 Basic Principles of the Doha Declaration ........................................................... 105
3.4.2 The Politics on the way to Doha Declaration on TRIPS. ................................... 107
3.4.3.1 Article 31bis 1: An Exporting Member and Eligible Importing Member .......... 113
3.4.3.2 Article 31bis 2: Adequate Remuneration ........................................................... 113
3.4.3.3 Article 31bis 3: Predominantly Domestic Use ................................................... 113
3.4.3.4 Article 31bis 4: Challenge .................................................................................. 114
3.4.3.5 Article 31bis: Rights and Obligations ................................................................ 114
3.5 Other Substantive Provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. .................................... 114
3.5.1 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights ...................................................... 115
3.51.1 Article 41: General Obligations .......................................................................... 115
3.5.1.2 Article 42: Fair and Equitable Procedures .......................................................... 116
3.5.1.2 Article 43: Evidence ........................................................................................... 117
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3.5.1.4 Article 44: Injunctions ........................................................................................ 118
3.5.1.5 Article 45: Damages ........................................................................................... 119
3.5.1.6 Article 46: Other Remedies ................................................................................ 120
3.5.1.7 Article 47: Right of Information ......................................................................... 120
3.5.1.8 Article 48: Indemnification of the Defendant.................................................... 121
3.5.1.9 Article 49: Administrative Procedures ............................................................... 122
3.6.1.10 Article 50: Provisional Measures ....................................................................... 122
3.5.1.11 Criminal Procedures ........................................................................................... 125
3.6 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 125
CHAPTER 4: Copyrights and Related Rights ................................................................. 128
4. 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 128
4.2 Copyright in Nigeria ........................................................................................... 129
4.2.1 Historical Overview of Copyright ...................................................................... 129
4.2.2 Overview of the Copyright Act, 1988 ................................................................ 131
4.2.2.1 Works Protected ................................................................................................ 131
a. Literary Works .................................................................................................... 132
b. Musical Works .................................................................................................... 133
c. Artistic Works ..................................................................................................... 134
d. Cinematograph Works ........................................................................................ 136
e. Sound Recording ................................................................................................ 136
f. Broadcasts ........................................................................................................... 137
4.2.2.2 Eligibility for Protection ..................................................................................... 137
a. Originality ........................................................................................................... 138
b. Fixation ............................................................................................................... 140
c. Supplementary Requirement .............................................................................. 141
i. Individual or Corporate Qualification ................................................................ 141
ii. Publication .......................................................................................................... 142
iii. Official Works .................................................................................................... 142
iv. Treaty Obligations .............................................................................................. 142
4.2.2.3 Authorship and Ownership of Copyright ........................................................... 144
a. Authorship .......................................................................................................... 144
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