Patent Protection and Public Health Promotion in Tanzania

Abstract

Intellectual property rights refer to intangible rights that areconferred to a person for the protection of his intellectualcreation. One of the subsets of intellectual property is patent,which deals with protection of inventions. This article aims atcritically analysing the relationship between patent protectionand promotion of public health. The article begins bydiscussing the international legal framework on patentprotection and their position on the promotion of public health.Further, the article analyses the measures to be taken bydeveloping countries so as to promote public health in theircountries and at the same time ensuring patent protection. Ananalysis of the Tanzanian legal framework on patentprotection and the efforts taken to promote public healthfollows thereafter. Ultimately, the article draws a conclusionand provides recommendations on what should be done bydeveloping countries so as to effectively promote publichealth.Keywords: Intellectual Property, Patent Protection, Public Health,Developing Countries.