PHM-Exch> WEBINAR: TRIPS Waiver: Update and Analysis of Recent Developments

[Jyotsna Singh]

WEBINAR: *TRIPS Waiver: Update and Analysis of Recent Developments*

In the last one month we have seen some crucial developments with regard to
TRIPS Waiver discussions at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In early
May, the United States government declared its support for the waiver, but
limiting it to the vaccine. Many other developed countries, such as New
Zealand, Australia and Canada, followed the suit and made similar
declarations. This opened up the space for text-based negotiations.
However, European Union and some other countries are yet to show any
support to the waiver.

On 21st May, 62 WTO member countries submitted a revised proposal (
IP/C/W/669/Rev.1 <https://www.keionline.org/wp-content/uploads/W669Rev1.pdf>)
which is to become the basis of negotiations.

The  revised proposal seeks at least three years waiver of TRIPS
obligations on copyrights, industrial designs, patents, trade secrets and
enforcement of intellectual property on health products needed for
treatment, prevention and containment of COVID 19. An important point to
note is that the proposal is far more comprehensive than what the US and
allies have shown support for. In addition to vaccines, the waiver proposal
covers diagnostics, PPE kits, therapeutics, medical devices, raw materials,
components, and the methods and means to manufacture them.

The WHO’s independent panel
<https://theindependentpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/COVID-19-Make-it-the-Last-Pandemic_final.pdf>
has
made certain urgent calls requiring the WHO and the WTO “to convene major
vaccine-producing countries and manufacturers to get agreement on voluntary
licensing and technology transfer arrangements for COVID-19 vaccines
(including through the Medicines Patent Pool). If actions do not occur
within three months, a waiver of intellectual property rights under the
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights should
come into force immediately”

The TRIPS Council is slated to meet on June 8-9 where the countries will
negotiate on the text. This will be a keenly followed event given that the
negotiations are finally starting after eight months of submission of the
original proposal by South Africa and India.

Against this backdrop, the People’s Health Movement (PHM) and the Third
World Network (TWN) are organising a webinar to discuss the following:

   - An update and state of play of TRIPS Waiver proposal
   - The impact of US’ position on discussions and negotiations at the
   TRIPS Council of WTO
   - The impact of recommendations of the WHO independent panel.

*Speakers:*

Sangeeta Shashikant, Third World Network

Dr Burcu Killic, Public Citizen

*Moderator:*

Priyam Cherian, People's Health Movement

*…………….*

*Date: *5th June, 2021

Time: 13:00 GMT (18.30 New Delhi/ 15.00 Cape Town / 10.00 Rio)

Platform*:* Zoom

Kindly register in advance:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FFPYDdVtQyGu93AqDibAkQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the webinar.
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