The main asset of the life sciences industry remains Intellectual Property (IP). Bilateral, regional and global trade agreements are important to assure protection of IP. For governments, trade agreements are a tool to enhance attractiveness and sustainable development. Many countries are undertaking important commitments to further liberalize their trade regime and accelerate their integration in the world economy, while offering a transparent and predictable environment for trade and foreign investment in accordance with trade agreement rules. In this context,trade agreements must be considered before product registration, launch or investment decisions. A decision in a particular country may impact future rights in other parts of the world.

• Provide an update of current and pending bilateral, regional and global trade agreements as well as to address IP concerns from a legal perspective
• Explain how trade agreements impact a life science company's strategy, from the decision to register, to launch a product or for investment considerations
• Explain, from an economic development point of view, how to improve business climate, favor access to innovation and become more attractive to foreign investment