WikiLeaks Publishes Secret Draft Chapter of Trans-Pacific Partnership

WikiLeaks, a website that exposes confidential government and corporate documents, has published a chapter on intellectual property rights from a proposed trade agreement negotiated by 12 Pacific Rim nations, most of which are democracies. “The 30,000 word intellectual property chapter contains proposals to increase the term of patents, including medical patents, beyond 20 years, and lower global standards for patentability,” reports the Guardian. “WikiLeaks claims that the text shows America attempting to enforce its highly restrictive vision of intellectual property on the world – and on itself.” Penalties are hiked for individuals who “hack” and defy copyrights, but governments are exempt. The article raises concerns about internet censorship. Proponents argue the TPP and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the US and Europe will spur economic growth. Critics claim that secret treaty negotiations undermine democracy and enrich those in the know while adding to widening inequality. – YaleGlobal