<h1>New IPR chapter balances innovation and access, preserves Doha public-health flexibilities, strengthens geographical indications for SMEs and exporters</h1> Government trade and IP agencies held a seminar on the IPR chapter of a bilateral comprehensive economic and trade agreement, where policymakers, experts, academia and industry discussed opportunities and concerns. Participants said the chapter balances innovation and access, preserves public-health flexibilities including compulsory licensing under the Doha Declaration, and modernizes procedural aspects without impinging regulatory autonomy. Provisions to strengthen protection of geographical indications were highlighted as beneficial for exports, startups, MSMEs and traditional producers. The chapter was described as reinforcing a forward-looking IP regime while maintaining policy space and serving as a template for future trade talks.