1.   Developing countries scored big gains, wresting agreement from rich countries to override patents on medicines for a variety of diseases and allowing generic knockoffs to be manufactured.

2.   It recognized the right of WTO members to override patents on expensive Western drugs and make the products themselves when public health is at stake.

3.   The agreement clarified rules on when and how poor countries facing public health crises can override patents to get cheaper access to expensive Western drugs.

4.   The pharmaceutical companies argue the law illegally gives the health minister unfettered power to override patents, violating their intellectual property rights and international trade regulations.

5.   The United States, Switzerland, Japan and Canada are resisting, arguing that such broad wording could allow countries to override patents on virtually any drug.