4. Paris convention proves precedent for international IP frameworks and shows the CP is in alignment with ILaw

A. The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property8 The need for international protection of intellectual property'9 was realized as early as 1873.20 Many inventors kept their inventions secret due to the fear of having their ideas stolen or exploited.2' The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Paris Convention) was entered into in1883 to reduce these fears.22 This treaty was the precursor of all modern-day multinational protection for intellectual property.23 The Paris Convention established several fundamental principles.24These fundamental principles of "national treatment, "right of priority,""26 and "special agreements"27 have been incorporated in all subsequent multinational patent agreements.2 8 "National treatment" requires member states to accord nationals of other member states the same advantages under their domestic patent laws as they accord to their nationals.2 9 "Right of priority “entitles a patent applicant of one member country to a period of twelve months after the initial patent application to apply for protection.3 ° Member nations can also enter into "special agreements," forging stronger cooperation in patent protection.31 "These 'special agreements' may be bilateral or multilateral, but they must not contravene the other provisions of the Paris Convention."2 This is an important part of the treaty because all subsequent multinational and regional patent protection schemes are derived from this provision and are regarded as "special agreements.,33Although the Paris Convention eliminated some major roadblocks,34 itis rather rudimentary in providing inventors with any uniform standard of substantive patent rights.35 In short, the Paris Convention provides an important entry for inventors to journey down the path of multinational patent protection.3627.