BILATERAL WTO-PLUS FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST: A CASE STUDY OF OFTA IN THE POST TRIPS ERA

8 Wake Forest Intell. Prop. L.J. 161

This article explores the current state of intellectual property law in the Middle East and the effects of free trade agreements on domestic laws and regulations in the region. The article begins by depicting the protection of IP in Islamic law, with an emphasis on recent developments in Oman. In Part II, the article articulates the importance of international IP rights and analyzes the effects of exporting U.S. trade policies overseas. Part III gives a brief history of OFTA, the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and highlights political and economic concerns arising out of the agreement. Finally, Part IV analyzes the interaction of international and domestic law as it relates to Oman; and offers recommendations on how Oman can benefit from its commitment to OFTA, offering a template for other developing nations to follow in enacting and establishing their own IP protection.