LDC Graduation Toolkit (WIPO/PUB/RN2025/6) is a guide prepared by the World Intellectual Property Organization to assist countries transitioning from the status of least developed countries toward a more advanced stage of economic and social development. This package provides a detailed and practical framework for addressing the legal and institutional challenges related to the protection of intellectual property rights, with a particular focus on:
- Patents;
- Layout designs of integrated circuits;
- Trade secrets.
in accordance with the requirements and standards set out by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (commonly known as the TRIPS Agreement).
- What does this package offer?
– Clear guidance for adapting national legislation and policies in the field of intellectual property to meet international obligations following graduation from least developed country status;
– An assessment of legal and institutional gaps in existing intellectual property protection systems;
– Practical recommendations for building institutional capacity and strengthening enforcement mechanisms for intellectual property rights;
– A tool for cooperation and coordination between national authorities and international partners to ensure a successful transition to the new status.
- Innovations and significance of this publication
– For the first time, this package focuses on the specific needs of countries in the transition phase from least developed country status, reflecting the unique challenges of this process;
– It includes an analysis of the latest developments in the field of intellectual property, including the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits, an area that has previously received less attention;
– It highlights the importance of finding a balance between the protection of intellectual property rights and the promotion of economic development and innovation in transitioning countries;
– It updates the recommendations in line with the latest global trends and the requirements of international organizations in the field of intellectual property.
This guide is an essential tool for state authorities, the private sector, and international organizations working to support the successful graduation of countries from least developed country status, assisting in their integration into the international intellectual property protection system.
