Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Law Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

2016

Property rights

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Law

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em: Intellectual Property Rights In The Tobacco Industry Going Up In Smoke, Kristen Lease Jan 2016

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em: Intellectual Property Rights In The Tobacco Industry Going Up In Smoke, Kristen Lease

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

The Tobacco Plain Packaging Act (TPPA) was passed in Australia in 2011 and set restrictions on the appearance of tobacco packages. The restrictions limited the use of trademarks to only the brand name, and banned any use of distinctive colors or images. Tobacco growing nations believed this restriction on trade dress violated Article 20 of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which guarantees that no restriction may unjustifiably encumber intellectual property. Article 8 of the TRIPS Agreement, however, allows for encumbrances when it is intended to promote the protection of public health and safety. The tobacco growing …