AIPLA Comments on the International Trade Commission’s Investigation of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement)
Written May 8, 2023
Arlington, VA. May 8, 2023 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments in connection with the International Trade Commission’s investigation of COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics in relation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
The comments voice AIPLA’s support of the equitable, widespread, and successful distribution of vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, personal protective equipment, and other measures in response to pandemics. The comments suggest that predictable and stable IP rights throughout the world aided the success and encouraged the necessary investment and innovation needed to end the pandemic. AIPLA disagrees with the ITC’s assumptions that local manufacturing is required, and IP rights impede it.
The comments urge the Commission to focus on identifying the business and technical challenges that may continue to impede the successful development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics, noting that a fact-based report by the Commission, supported by evidence, will enable policymakers to develop solutions tailored to overcome these challenges.
To view the complete comments, please download the comment letter posted to the right of this page.