| On the argument whether the protection of intellectual property rights---including trademark rights---can induce economic development, opinions are varied as there are different economic interests and stages of economic growth among countries. Developed countries advocate strong trademark protection, pointing out that it will not only favour them but also the developing countries. They argue that strong mark protection would attract foreign direct investment, encourage industrial creation, employment and the general well-being of any economy. On the other hand, developing countries argue that strong intellectual property protection is a ploy by developed countries for economic domination. Therefore, developing countries are reluctant to comply with most international agreements on intellectual property, such as Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This thesis examines the arguments in favour and against strong mark protection and concludes that Nigeria's compliance with TRIPS provisions will encourage foreign investment, which in turn would be a boost to economic development. This thesis makes suggestions for improving Nigerian trademark law by drawing lessons from Canadian trademark law. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
