The Global Convergence of Patent Standards: Harmonization Challenges between Emerging and Developed Economies

Abstract

The globalization of innovation and trade has intensified calls for a unified international patent system. However, the harmonization of patent standards remains a deeply contested process, marked by structural asymmetries between developed and emerging economies. Developed nations, equipped with mature intellectual property (IP) infrastructures, emphasize stringent patent protection to secure innovation and investment. Conversely, emerging economies seek flexibility to balance technology access, industrial growth, and public welfare. This paper examines the evolution of global patent harmonization efforts, from the Paris Convention to the TRIPS Agreement, and identifies key institutional, economic, and policy barriers that hinder convergence. It analyzes how divergent patent frameworks influence global innovation flows, economic inequality, and technology transfer. The study concludes by proposing an inclusive and adaptive approach to harmonization—one that integrates capacity-building, differentiated implementation, and policy coherence to ensure equitable participation in the global intellectual property regime.