The case for a waiver

INDIA, S AFRICA PROPOSAL

In Oct 2020, India and SA urged WTO members to temporarily suspend rules on IP rights on vaccines and other medical supplies, arguing that it would be the most equitable way to fight the pandemic.

US

The US said it will support temporary waiver of intellectual property rights only for Covid-19 vaccines, and will “actively participate” at WTO to “make that happen”.

EUROPE

European Union said it is “ready to discuss” waivers. French Prez Macron said he "is in favour" and the UK govt said it is in “discussions with the US and WTO members”.

OPPOSITION

Germany, however, rejected the call and said patents were not the “limiting” factor in production

CHALLENGES

WTO will take up the matter for voting on Thursday but any final waiver may take weeks to finalise. Experts also say waiving off patents alone may not help boost supplies unless there is tech transfer.

“Gavi urges now... the US supports manufacturers to transfer not only IP but also know-how in a bid to urgently boost global production.” Gavi, global vaccine alliance