The Topic: Given its international community of IP licensing experts, LESI is in a unique position to bring together various perspectives on IP policy issues.  We did so last year as the World Trade Organization (WTO) was considering adoption of a waiver of patent and other relevant IP rights related to the COVID-19 pandemic.   After significant debate, on June 22, 2022 the WTO formally adopted a more limited waiver than what was initially proposed that allowed member countries to provide a waiver under the treaty for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines. The language of the waiver also directed the TRIPS Counsel to, within six months, consider further expanding the scope of the waiver to cover patents related to diagnostics and therapeutics – a process which is now underway.

The Format: The debate regarding the role of IP and its impact on pandemic response efforts continues globally. Education is critically important in this debate.  We introduced LESI “Pop-up” classes as short workshops that provide an opportunity to engage in new material, or activities not typically covered in the traditional curriculum.  With this format, interactivity is key. We will lead with a 45-minute panel discussion of experts, followed by a 45-minute interactive, small break-out sessions. In those sessions, the speakers and other experts will lead a conversation where attendees will have an opportunity to share their own views.

Join LESI for this conversation as we reconvene our panel from last year for a discussion of the waiver as adopted, use by member countries and any impacts it has had and WTO considers taking addition steps on this issue.  Our LESI Education Committee and Industry, University & Government Transactions (IGUT) Committee are jointly facilitating this session.

This event is free to participants.