12. The representative of Australia associated her delegation with the statements made by the two previous speakers. Document TN/IP/W/10, by giving a practical and realistic focus to the ongoing discussions, was an attempt to translate the principles of the joint proposal into a workable text which would serve as a draft decision that could be taken by the TRIPS Council. Additionally, the draft could benefit from the input of other Members during the present and future meetings. The draft decision was clear about the principles mandated in this negotiation and preserved Member's rights and obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. It would not amend the TRIPS Agreement nor would it require the TRIPS Agreement to be amended in the future. Participation in the system would be entirely voluntary; it would, however, provide for access to the system by all WTO Members. The system proposed had the genuine aim of facilitating protection.
13. The draft decision was a solid first attempt to work through the issues faced by Members and should be the basis for the Council's future work.
