Parallel Imports: Striking a Delicate Balance in a Multifaceted Environment

Abstract

The article explores how states handle the legal, economic, and political aspects of parallel imports in light of the national interests and interests of IP owners, manufacturers, alternative importers, and consumers. It discusses the conflicts of interest among these actors regarding the legalization of parallel imports and the positive and negative consequences for each. The doctrine of exhaustion of rights and the right to import are critical elements of parallel imports. Respective regulations emerge from the interaction between public and private entities, prioritizing public interest and sometimes overlooking the interests of IP owners and consumers. The paper discusses the shifting attitudes of countries towards allowing parallel imports, showing a growing acceptance of the international principle of exhaustion of IP rights. The practical implications of this shift are analyzed using Ukraine as a case study. It also highlights how foreign policy factors, such as European integration and the armed conflict with the Russian Federation, have influenced Ukraine’s stance on parallel imports.

Keywords

• parallel imports
• trips agreement
• foreign trade
• ip rights exhaustion
• right to import