No Free TRIPS Act

S 1834, the "No Free TRIPS Act," requires the U.S. President and federal officials to get explicit Congressional approval *before* starting any negotiations to withdraw from, suspend, waive, or modify the international TRIPS Agreement. This bill directly affects the executive branch, specifically the President and U.S. trade officials who handle global intellectual property negotiations. Its key provision mandates that Congress must authorize any such action on the TRIPS Agreement prior to negotiations beginning. The bill does not change U.S. policy on intellectual property but alters the process for modifying the country's international commitments. It is a procedural measure focused on congressional oversight of trade negotiations.