Fundamentals of Freedom: 2010 Asia Essay Contest

The 2010 TFAS-AIPE essay contest was created to further engage the next generation of leaders in Asia on the ideas and themes of freedom.

This year the essay question focuses on an important issue in free-market economies: Intellectual Property Rights. For your essay, please respond to the question below- be sure to address all aspects of the question in your essay. Complete essay guidelines can be found under the Rules and Regulations section.

Winners will receive cash prizes in the amounts below and may have their essay published online!

Awards

(All awards are in U.S. Dollars)

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Essay Question

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are the rights that are given to owners or creators of certain possessions (inventions, new discoveries, music, literature, etc.) through the use of patents, copyrights and trademarks.

Without such rights or protections, there would be little incentive for owners to continue to invent new products or improve existing ones. In addition, consumers would have no means to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they purchase.

The level of IPR enforcement in many countries varies substantially. Generally speaking, it is often the developing countries with weaker IPR enforcement. As a result, citizens of these countries often have better access to cheaper imitations (through counterfeiting or piracy) however, there is also less incentive for the international community to invest in these countries without a guarantee that the integrity of their products will be protected.

How important are intellectual property rights? Do they play a role in economic development and if so, what kind of role?  Do you think it is a fair criticism that developing countries generally do not provide enough legal protection or enforcement of IPR? Are citizens of developing countries harmed by the lack of IPR protection and if so, how? Use an example from your own country or another country in Asia to illustrate your argument.

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DEADLINE EXTENDED!!

Essays must be submitted on or before

MARCH 15, 2010 by 5:00pm EST.

ALL COMPLETE ENTRIES MUST INCLUDE:

• Completed and signed Release Form
• Copy of your CV or resumé
• Essay

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:

1. Click on the button above or email it directly to Ms. Kelsey Strampe at kstrampe@tfas.org

2. Fax it to (202) 986-0390; ATTN: Kelsey Strampe

No mailed submissions will be accepted. Decisions of the judges are final. Winners and other entrants will be notified by April 15, 2010.