Published

October 06, 2020

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) Senior Vice President, Patrick Kilbride, issued the following statement regarding India and South Africa’s request for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ease intellectual property (IP) rights.

“India and South Africa waiving intellectual property rights in response to the pandemic, while well intentioned, could actually hinder the production and delivery COVID-related solutions to frontline healthcare workers and patients.

“The WTO has existing agreements in place to provide nations all the necessary tools to work alongside rights holders and ensure patient access to treatments.

“The pandemic provides evidence the global IP system is working. Currently, a worldwide, cross-industry effort is underway involving our brightest scientific minds, most innovative companies, and the world’s leading universities—all working together toward the common goal of leading the global community out of this crisis.”