| Popis: |
This study sets out to investigate Egyptian implementation of international intellectual property (IP) obligations, in the context of Egypt's legislative and juridical history, particularly considering post-colonial implications. It examines the extent to which the effects and experience of colonialism may continue to shape the Egyptian response to unwelcome international pressure to reform its domestic law. It further considers whether Orientalism can help to explain some external perceptions of Egypt's approach to the protection of IP. The study (while it does not offer a comprehensive analysis of the law) examines the historical context in which Egypt's IP law has emerged, identifies aspects of the current IP law that have attracted controversy and attempts to uncover explanations for controversial aspects of the law. The investigation is largely conducted through an examination of relevant literature and black letter analysis of the law but, additionally, summer 2008 was spent immersed in an Egyptian law firm to update current awareness, collect documents and conduct a small number of elite interviews. The study finds that external explanations of Egypt's approach to IP do appear to have been distorted by Orientalist interpretation and (focusing mainly on the patent and copyright provisions) that Egypt's IP law reflects postcolonial tensions in its attempt to satisfy irreconcilable demands. Egypt has experienced a period of major social and political upheaval since 2011, with many unresolved consequences. Eventually, the question of IP reform will be raised again. Issues raised here will likely be relevant to future developments in Egyptian IP law. |
