GATT widens protection for intellectual property. (intellectual property rights)

Local high-tech and biotech executives generally applauded the passage of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, calling its increased protection for intellectual property rights a major victory for American industry.

But at least one voice is questioning the basic wisdom of the landmark accord.

"Biotech is sometimes cited as a beneficiary of GATT," said George Rathman, chairman and CEO of Icos Corp., a Bothell-based biopharmaceuticals company. "That's just a crock."

According to the agreement, a country must pass and enforce strict copyright and intellectual property rights protection to benefit from a reduction in tariffs. But Rathman said that the …