274. The representative of Norway said that the protection of IP was an essential tool to ensure investment in research and development and remuneration to drivers of economic and cultural development. However, her delegation recognized the particular difficulties for LDCs in implementing the TRIPS Agreement, and expressed her general support for a request for an extended transition period. She said that she would come back with more detailed comments later, as the request that had been received only a few days earlier was still being studied by her authorities.