How Does Intellectual Property Rights contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals?

Introduction

In the late 20th century, people started paying more attention to sustainable development because of growing environmental issues. The Brundtland Report in 1987 defined sustainable development as meeting our current needs without hurting future generations' ability to meet theirs. This idea became very popular and influenced many global policies. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro strengthened this focus, leading to key initiatives like Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and important treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Despite these efforts, the role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in sustainable development has been a hot topic. Some people believe that IPRs can block the sharing of eco-friendly technologies, making treaty negotiations tough. When the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IP was notably missing. This shows the ongoing struggle to combine IP with sustainability goals. Historically, IP systems have had a hard time including sustainability, pointing to the need for better alignment between IP policies and broader social and environmental aims.

Role of various IP’s in achieving SDG

1.      Green Patents and their contribution to climate change

Patents for clean energy technologies, like electric cars and energy-saving appliances, are super important for fighting climate change. They help cut down on pollution by making it easier for companies to develop and use renewable energy sources. This means less reliance on fossil fuels. Intellectual property plays a vital role in supporting SDG 13, which focuses on climate action.

Intellectual property protections also support new ideas in farming and water management. These innovations help communities deal with the effects of climate change by promoting sustainable practices. By using IP rights in green technologies, we can make a big difference in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

Advancing SDGs Through Technology Transfer and Capacity Building

(a)   Licensing for Development

Universities and research centres use IP licenses to share their technologies with industries. This helps foster innovation and economic growth. For example, patents for genetically modified crops from universities have led to advancements in agriculture, improving food security in many parts of the world. By licensing their technology, these institutions help spread new ideas and products more quickly, contributing to sustainable development.

(b)  Building IP capacity

Helping developing countries understand and use intellectual property rights is really important. Programs like WIPO's Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) give training and support to build local innovation skills. For instance, TISCs in Africa have helped local inventors patent their innovations in areas like renewable energy and healthcare.

(c) Balance Access

Patents can sometimes make it hard for people in low-income countries to get essential medicines because they make these drugs expensive. To fix this, the Medicines Patent Pool works to negotiate licenses that allow the generic production of these medicines. This lowers the costs and makes the medicines more available to those who need them. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) provides that access to medicines is really important for public health. Programs like the Medicines Patent Pool make sure that life-saving drugs are affordable by making fair deals for their use.

2.      Role of GI and traditional knowledge in promoting SDG

Preserving cultural heritage and natural resources is crucial for maintaining the diversity and richness of our world's traditions and ecosystems. The Nagoya Protocol plays a significant role by ensuring that benefits derived from the commercial use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources are shared equitably with indigenous communities, promoting their rights and supporting biodiversity conservation. Protecting biodiversity directly supports SDG 15 (Life on Land). This goal focuses on managing forests sustainably, stopping deserts from spreading, reversing land degradation, and preventing the loss of biodiversity.

In India, Basmati rice is a notable example of a geographical indication. This designation helps preserve the traditional farming practices and cultural heritage of the regions where Basmati rice is grown, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the product. Another example of benefit-sharing is the use of traditional knowledge about the medicinal plant neem. Indian communities that have used neem for centuries benefit from agreements with companies that develop neem-based products, ensuring they receive a fair share of the profits

Case Studies on IP supporting SDG

1.      Patagonia's Use of Intellectual Property for Sustainability

Patagonia, famous for its outdoor clothing, uses intellectual property (IP) to protect and promote eco-friendly innovations. They have patents for materials like Yulex natural rubber, which is better for the environment than neoprene used in wetsuits. This helps reduce the environmental impact of synthetic materials and supports Patagonia's sustainability goals.

The company's strong brand, protected by trademarks, helps them market and sell their sustainable products. Patagonia's focus on sustainability aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which is about responsible consumption and production. They also work towards SDG 13, which is about climate action, by reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable supply chains.

2.      Tesla's Use of Intellectual Property for Sustainability

Tesla, a leader in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, uses its IP to promote sustainable transportation and energy solutions. The company holds patents for important EV technologies like battery systems and electric drivetrains, helping to advance and adopt electric vehicles. In a notable move, Tesla made its patents public to speed up the shift to sustainable transportation and encourage industry-wide innovation.

Tesla's work in solar energy and energy storage supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by providing clean energy solutions. The company's electric vehicles help reduce urban air pollution, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Tesla's open patent strategy shows their commitment to broader societal goals, using IP to drive global sustainable development.

3.      Unilever's Use of Intellectual Property for Sustainability

Unilever, a global consumer goods company, uses IP to develop health, hygiene, and eco-friendly products. They have patents for innovative formulations, like concentrated detergents that use less water, reducing their environmental impact. Unilever's strong brand, protected by trademarks, helps them effectively market their sustainable products.

Unilever's health and hygiene products support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), while their water-efficient products support SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By aligning their IP strategy with sustainable development goals, Unilever shows how companies can drive both innovation and sustainability. This approach helps both their business and the environment.

Conclusion

Intellectual property rights (IPR) are super important for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They protect inventions and encourage innovation in areas like climate action, renewable energy, clean water, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. Patents, copyrights, and other IP tools give inventors and companies the confidence to invest in new ideas that can make the world a better place. Even though it can be tricky to balance IPR and sustainability, it's clear that IP plays a key role in promoting development that benefits both people and the planet.

But there are some problems too. Sometimes, strict IP laws make it hard for developing countries to get access to new technologies and innovations, which can slow down progress on important SDGs like healthcare and clean energy. Also, the high costs of getting and enforcing IP rights can be a big barrier for small businesses and researchers. Figuring out how to protect intellectual property while making sure everyone can access sustainable technologies is a big challenge we still need to solve.