KEI Comment to NIST on Transparency of March-in Proceedings

On December 8, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued a Request for Information regarding the “Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights” (88 FR 85593). Today KEI submitted comments to NIST regarding… Continue Reading

Chile (on behalf of 62 countries) asks for a more transparent, inclusive process for civil society engagement in WHO negotiations of a pandemic treaty

On Monday, 17 July 2023, Chile, on behalf of a group of 62 WHO member states called for a more transparent, inclusive process for civil society engagement in the WHO negotiations of a pandemic treaty at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body… Continue Reading

Eric Sawyer December 13, 2021 Petition to HHS on Xtandi March-in Case

On December 13, 2021, Eric Sawyer filed this petition with the Department of Health and Human Services, asking to join an outstanding march-in petition on the patents for the prostate cancer drug enzalutamide, sold under the brand name Xtandi by… Continue Reading

KEI requests an open compulsory license relating to Paxlovid in the Dominican Republic

On Friday, December 3, 2021, KEI requested an open public interest license to allow the exploitation of PF-07321332 (marketed in combination with ritonavir under the brand Paxlovid) in the Dominican Republic. PF-07321332, being developed by Pfizer, has shown promising results… Continue Reading

Bolivia seeks to import COVID-19 vaccines from Biolyse, if Canada grants them a compulsory license

Today the government of Bolivia and Biolyse, a company based in Canada, signed an agreement to acquire COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by the company, if Canada grants them a compulsory license. Biolyse is a manufacturer of cancer drugs with the potential… Continue Reading

KEI Comments on NIH Exclusive Licenses to Kyverna on CAR T therapy

(Update: The NIH provided responses to our comments on April 5, 2021 – 86 FR 10092 Response and 86 FR 10081 Response) On Friday March 5, 2021, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) submitted comments to the National Institute of Health (NIH)… Continue Reading

Canadian Policy option that can permit the government to exercise rights in patents arising under procurement contracts in Canada, if “prior obligations” exist, and how that relates to WHO COVID-19 pooling proposal

In Canada, the foreground intellectual property arising under procurement contracts by default belongs to the contractor. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. One key policy provision allows the government to claim title of the foreground intellectual property “where…… Continue Reading