Abstract
In 1986, GATT began, at the request of the USA, to look into the internationalization of the intellectual property system, this article analyzes, from the standpoint of politics and economics, the new developments that have occurred in the international technology order since that date, paying particular attention to the intellectual property system as it is considered to be the core of this incipient order. For an international order to be effective, it is necessary to devise common policies. This, however, is hampered by the fact that many developing and socialist countries have not enacted yet any laws on the protection of intellectual property. The basis of international competition is rapidly changing with hegemony being now determined by technology rather than capital. Hence the current drive to strengthen the protection of intellectual property worldwide. The intellectual property system is a social system designed to promote technological development and the transfer of technology. Yet, scientific and technological resources tend to concentrate in specific areas, the transfer from these areas of concentration to peripheral areas does not work well. The problems to overcome to enable the effective transfer of technology across borders both among industrialized counties and with the developing countries are numerous.
