Industrial property can usefully be divided into two main areas, namely, one that can be characterized as the protection of distinctive signs, in particular trademarks which distinguish the goods and services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings, and geographical indications which identify a good as originating in a place where a given characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

The protection of such distinctive signs aims to stimulate and ensure fair competition and to protect consumers, by enabling them to make informed choices between various goods and services. The protection may last indefinitely, provided the sign in question continues to be distinctive.

Other types of industrial property are protected primarily to stimulate innovation, design and the creation of technology. In this category fall inventions protected by patents, industrial designs and trade secrets.

The social purpose of industrial property is to provide protection for the results of investment in the development of new technology, thus giving the incentive and means to finance research and development activities.

While the basic social objectives of intellectual property protection are as outlined above, it should also be noted that the exclusive rights given are generally subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, aimed at fine-tuning the balance that has to be found between the legitimate interests of right holders and of users.

Internet: <http://wto.org> (adapted).

Based on the text above, judge the following item.

If after some time a certain product that has enjoyed the protection of industrial property laws loses its unique qualities, it will cease to have that status.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements cover goods, services and intellectual property. They spell out the principles of liberalization, and the permitted exceptions. They include individual countries’ commitments to lower customs tariffs and other trade barriers, and to open and keep open services markets. They set procedures for settling disputes. These agreements are not static; they are negotiated from time to time and new agreements can be added to the package.

The WTO’s procedure for resolving trade quarrels under the Dispute Settlement Understanding is vital for enforcing the rules and therefore for ensuring that trade flows smoothly. Countries bring disputes to the WTO if they think their rights under the agreements are being infringed. Judgments by specially appointed independent experts are based on interpretations of the agreements and individual countries’ commitments.

WTO agreements contain special provisions for developing countries, including longer time periods to implement agreements and commitments, measures to increase their trading opportunities, and support to help them build their trade capacity, to handle disputes and to implement technical standards. The WTO organizes hundreds of technical cooperation missions to developing countries annually. It also holds numerous courses each year in Geneva for government officials. Aid for trade aims to help poor countries develop the skills and infrastructure needed to expand their trade.

Internet: <www.wto.org> (adapted).

According to the text above, judge the following item.

The chief aim of the WTO is to make its agreements seem flexible.