The US has thrown its support behind a move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to temporarily lift patent protection for coronavirus vaccines. India and South Africa proposed the plan, which they said would increase vaccine production around the world. One hundred members of the World Trade Organisation (WHO) are said to be in favour, and a panel on intellectual property is expected to discuss the issue next month. Intellectual property means creations, such as inventions, which are protected by patents, copyrights, and trademarks - allowing the originator to be financially rewarded. He backed a waiver on intellectual property associated with Covid vaccines during the 2020 presidential campaign and repeated his support on Wednesday.

Source: The Star May 06, 2021 06:33 UTC