WTO Decision On Access To COVID-19 Vaccines: A Waiver In Name Only?

R&D-based companies have denounced what they see as a dangerous and unjustified attack on intellectual property after the World Trade Organization’s ministerial conference finally adopted a decision on an IP waiver for COVID-19 vaccines. NGOs, by contrast, say the decision amounts to little more than a limited exception to existing rules on the compulsory licensing of medicines.

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The WTO's decision should make it easier to issue compulsory licences