Legal Definitions - dispute-resolution procedure

A dispute-resolution procedure is a process used to resolve disagreements between countries regarding intellectual property protection. This procedure is conducted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the TRIPs Agreement.

The procedure begins when one country files a complaint against another country. The two countries then engage in consultations to try to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, a WTO panel will issue a report on the matter. If necessary, trade sanctions may be imposed on one of the countries.

For example, if Country A believes that Country B is not adequately protecting its intellectual property, Country A can file a complaint with the WTO. The two countries will then engage in consultations to try to resolve the issue. If they cannot come to an agreement, a WTO panel will issue a report on the matter. If the panel finds that Country B is not adequately protecting intellectual property, trade sanctions may be imposed on Country B.