tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923005810906159036.post3531092132620298820..comments2024-03-27T12:49:05.975+00:00Comments on IP finance: Biden Administration's Support of the So-Called WTO Waiver of COVID-19 Related IPAnne Fairpohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579190868405783459noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923005810906159036.post-61506721337443138582021-05-13T10:50:13.861+01:002021-05-13T10:50:13.861+01:00Interesting post. I agree on several points, notab...Interesting post. I agree on several points, notably on ethical concerns. But there is an aspect for which I struggle to find a satisfactory answer. The COVID vaccines involve technologies (hence probably patent claims) that have a plethora of applications. I would not be surprised to see applications even very far from COVID itself. I had a glance at the BionTech pipeline (https://biontech.de/science/pipeline). The mRNA vaccine technology is currently studied for medical applications spanning cancers (many types), HIV, influenza and tubercolosis. I concede I do not know what the differences are between the candidate products in development for each application. But I plausibly expect a certain degree of overlap, in particular with respect to the presence of the renown nanolipid particles filled with reproducible and repeatable amounts of mRNA. Now, if I, as patentee, am (politically) obligated to transfer know-how with respect to this crucial element to guarantee an effective and safe implementation of a compulsory license for COVID vaccines, this will inevitably impact also the other applications (i.e. other than COVID) of the technology. For companies like BionTech that are highly focused on a single technology, this will imply loosing most of its business advantage over potential competitors and a possible dramatic impact on company appeal for investors. How can this unintended effect be properly "monetized" when establishing a fair price associated with the license? As many have already noted, once know-how leaves your house, it is gone. Forever. Do I miss anything?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com