Germany, the dark power of Europe
In spite of statements on the contrary, EU leaders prefer to sell vaccines rather than facilitate domestic production.
May 8, 2021
India and the European Union (EU) on Saturday announced the resumption of negotiations on three balanced and comprehensive trade-related agreements but were unable to reach common ground on calls for a waiver of patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a summit virtual meeting with the EU 27 leaders, who show more interest in resumption of trade talks than in facilitating vaccine production in the South Asian country.
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/germany-the-dark-power-of-europe/
It’s good Biden is suspending vaccine patents. But the whole rotten system needs overhaul
US tax dollars helped create the Moderna vaccine – and 59% of Americans say Moderna share its vaccine technology with manufacturers worldwide
By David Adler and Mamka Anyona
May 7, 2021
On 2 October – seven months and over 2,000,000 Covid-19 deaths ago – the governments of India and South Africa petitioned the World Trade Organization to issue a temporary waiver on the Trips Agreement and ensure the “unhindered global sharing of technology and know-how … for the handling of Covid-19”. Back then, no vaccine had been approved for the prevention of the spread of the virus. But the 100 countries that joined the October petition over the following months knew then what has become apparent to everyone now: the system of pharmaceutical patents is a killing machine.
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/its-good-biden-is-suspending-vaccine-patents-but-the-whole-rotten-system-needs-overhaul/
Germany: the main anti-Humane power in Europe and a tool of Big Capital
Germany rejects U.S. proposal to waive patents on COVID-19 vaccines
May 6, 2021
Germany on Thursday rejected a U.S. proposal to waive patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines, saying the greatest constraints on production were not intellectual property but increasing capacity and ensuring quality.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday voiced support for a waiver in a sharp reversal of the U.S. position, and his top trade negotiator, Katherine Tai, swiftly backed negotiations at the World Trade Organization.
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/germany-the-main-anti-humane-power-in-europe-and-a-tool-of-big-capital/
Russia ready to back waiving intellectual property rights for Covid vaccines, as Putin says now ‘not the time to maximize profits’
6 May, 2021
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow would support relinquishing patent rights for Covid-19 vaccines, given the importance of fighting the pandemic.
The proposals to waive intellectual property rights for Covid-19 vaccines “don’t contradict” the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which allow such an option during emergencies, Putin said on Thursday.
The Russian president instructed Tatyana Golikova, the deputy prime minister responsible for social policy, to explore patent waivers. “Of course, Russia would support such an approach,” Putin said, adding that the ongoing pandemic is “an emergency.”
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/russia-ready-to-back-waiving-intellectual-property-rights-for-covid-vaccines-as-putin-says-now-not-the-time-to-maximize-profits/
Spain backs patent waiver, it says it is not enough
May 6, 2021
The Spanish government on Thursday said a U.S. proposal to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines signals the “way forward” but will not be enough to guarantee supplies to developing countries.
Approving such a suspension of intellectual property rights would take time and, in the meantime, pharmaceutical companies should be flexible in granting voluntary licences, it said in a working paper entitled Vaccines for All
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/spain-backs-patent-waiver-it-says-it-is-not-enough/
Costa Rica. A small state and a world pioneer
WHO and Costa Rica launch COVID-19 Technology Access Pool
By William Worley*
29 May 2020
LONDON — An international project to share intellectual property, scientific data, and know-how to fight the coronavirus pandemic was launched by the World Health Organization Friday, with the support of 37 countries.
The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, or C-TAP, was welcomed by campaigners as a key step in facilitating access to future drugs and medical tools — but many key players are currently absent from the list of supporters.
Continue reading at http://www.defenddemocracy.press/costa-rica-a-small-state-and-a-world-pioneer/
