The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) was established as part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements in 1995. The TRIPS agreement sets out minimum standards for intellectual property protection in trade among WTO member countries.

The provisions of the TRIPS agreement relate to various aspects of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, geographical indications, copyright, and industrial designs.

One of the major provisions of the TRIPS agreement is the requirement for WTO member countries to provide patent protection for inventions in all fields of technology, without discrimination. This includes pharmaceuticals and other products in the healthcare sector. The TRIPS agreement also sets out certain conditions under which compulsory licenses can be issued, which allows a government to grant permission for someone else to produce a patented product without the permission of the patent holder.

Another key provision of the TRIPS agreement is the protection of trademarks. WTO member countries are required to provide protection to registered trademarks, including those that are well-known. The agreement also sets out provisions for preventing unfair competition and protecting geographical indications, which are signs used to indicate the geographical origin of a product.

The TRIPS agreement also includes provisions relating to copyright, requiring member countries to provide protection for literary and artistic works. This includes works in the digital environment, such as computer programs and databases. The agreement also includes provisions for protecting performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations.

Industrial designs are also protected under the TRIPS agreement, which requires WTO member countries to provide protection for designs that are new or original. This protection includes designs for industrial or handicraft items, such as furniture, clothing, and jewelry.

In conclusion, the TRIPS agreement sets out minimum standards for intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, geographical indications, copyright, and industrial designs. These provisions are necessary to ensure that intellectual property is protected and that trade is conducted fairly among WTO member countries. While there are some critics of the TRIPS agreement, it remains an important international agreement in the field of intellectual property.