Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU): Art. 3
'Multilateral Dispute Settlement System'
- Preserve rights andobligations of WTO Members under covered agreements
- Clarify existing provisions of WTO Agreements
- Secure compliance with WTO Agreements
- Ensure prompt, effective and impartial settlement of trade disputes
If a WTO member does not observe certain minimum standards, no other member can unilaterally apply trade sanctions against the former. Complaints brought to and settled according to the multilateral procedures established by the Dispute Settlement Understanding.
Unlike previous international conventions on IPRs, TRIPS non-compliance may lead to action, including trade sanctions, by other member states.
