KEI statement on GSK’s announcement of policies to expand access to patented medicines
GSK has made a major announcement of new policies to expand access to its patented medicines. A copy of the press statement is here. Continue Reading
Intellectual Property Rights
WTO TRIPS Council (July 2020): The European Union’s position on the interface of IP and health technologies in the COVID-19 response
On 30 July 2020, the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened a formal meeting of the TRIPS Council. The TRIPS Council held discussions on two COVID-19 related topics: agenda item 3 on IP Measures in the Context of COVID-19 and agenda… Continue Reading
WTO TRIPS Council (July 2020): South Africa leads discussions on COVID-19
On 30 July 2020, the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened a formal meeting of the TRIPS Council. The TRIPS Council held discussions on two COVID-19 related topics: agenda item 3 on IP Measures in the Context of COVID-19 and agenda… Continue Reading
Joint letter to Dr. Fauci at NIAID, regarding the geographic scope of RNAceuticals HIV patent license, asks that exclusivity not extend to countries with low and moderate incomes
Below is a letter from several individuals and groups, asking that NIAID not grant exclusive rights in a HIV patent license for South Africa, India and other low income countries. (PDF version here) The license is to RNAceuticals, a firm… Continue Reading
WTO TRIPS Council (July 2020): South Africa’s submission on IP and the Public Interest – Beyond Access to Medicines and Medical Technologies towards a more Holistic Approach to TRIPS Flexibilities
On Friday, 17 July 2020, South Africa submitted a paper to the World Trade Organization (WTO) TRIPS Council entitled, Intellectual Property and the Public Interest: Beyond Access to Medicines and Medical Technologies Towards a More Holistic Approach To TRIPS Flexibilities.… Continue Reading
WTO race for Director-General: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addresses questions on trade, IP, and future COVID-19 vaccines
On 14 May 2020, Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced he would step down from his post as Director-General of the organization on 31 August 2020; to say this news was a surprise is an understatement… Continue Reading
The European Parliament calls on the European Commission and the Member States to formally support the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)
On Friday, 10 July 2020, the European Parliament adopted a resolution entitled, The EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19, by 526 votes to 105 and 50 abstentions. This resolution paves the way for the creation of a European Health Union and… Continue Reading
What is a Global Public Good?
Below is a link to an essay on the use of the phrase “global public goods”. The essay focuses on the three papers Paul Samuelson wrote in the 1950s that are often used, and misused, to define public goods. Samuelson’s… Continue Reading
KEI at WIPO conversation on intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI)
The second session of the WIPO Conversation on IP and AI is being held over three days from July 7 to 9, 2020. WIPO’s web page on the event is here. I had submitted comments earlier to both WIPO and… Continue Reading
KEI BN 2020:3 Other Transaction Agreements: Government Contracts that May Eliminate Protections for the Public on Pricing, Access and Competition, Including in Connection with COVID-19
Other Transaction Agreements: Government Contracts that May Eliminate Protections for the Public on Pricing, Access and Competition, Including in Connection with COVID-19 KEI Briefing Note 2020:3 June 29, 2020 (revision of June 24 version) Kathryn Ardizzone James Love The most… Continue Reading
WTO TRIPS Council (informal): South Africa’s interventions on COVID-19, TRIPS flexibilities, and domestic manufacturing capacity
On Friday, 19 June 2020, the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened an informal virtual Open-ended Meeting of the TRIPS Council. . The following statements were delivered by South Africa at the virtual open-ended informal meeting of the TRIPS Council. In… Continue Reading