WTO members start text-based approach for TRIPS waiver on COVID-19 vaccines

Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the formal meeting of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) have discussed two proposals – the revised proposal for a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement (IP/C/W/669/Rev.1), co-sponsored by over 60 delegations, and the communication from the European Union on urgent trade policy responses to the pandemic (IP/C/W/680).  

The discussions moved closer to a text-based approach, with general agreement that discussions must intensify. Next meeting is scheduled for 21-22 July 2021.