How does the Adelphi Charter argue for balancing intellectual-property rights with human rights and the public domain?

The Adelphi Charter argues that intellectual property (IP) policy must be reformed to prioritize human rights, scientific development, and the public domain over the interests of corporate rights holders. It contends that modern IP laws, such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), have been excessively strengthened, creating a "colonialism of information" that hinders global innovation and access to essential resources.1

To balance these interests, the Charter proposes several key principles:

• Human Rights Priority: IP policy should be crafted to defend fundamental rights, including health, education, and culture. This includes addressing pharmaceutical patents that inflate drug prices and preventing the appropriation of traditional knowledge.1
• Robust Public Domain: The Charter advocates for limiting copyright extensions and eliminating patents on mathematical, scientific, and educational processes to ensure information remains accessible.1
• Fair Application: It encourages models like open source software and Creative Commons to expand the public domain, arguing that IP should facilitate creativity rather than grant rights holders excessive control over the availability of works.1