what is trips

The TRIPS Agreement, or the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, is an international legal agreement between all the member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is the most comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property, setting minimum standards of protection for various forms of intellectual property, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and geographical indications. The agreement also includes provisions for enforcement of intellectual property rights through civil, border, and, in some cases, criminal actions. TRIPS has been subject to criticism from developing countries, academics, and non-governmental organizations, with some arguing that it has not led to a demonstrable acceleration of investment to low-income countries