ABSTRACT
The history of patent harmonization is a story of dynamic actors, whose interactions with established structures shaped the patent regime. From the inception of the trade regime to include intellectual property (IP) rights to the present, this book documents the role of different sets of actors – states, transnational business corporations, or civil society groups – and their influence on the structures – such as national and international agreements, organizations, and private entities – that have caused changes to healthcare and access to medication. Presenting the debates over patents, trade, and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement), as it galvanized non-state and nonbusiness actors, the book highlights how an alternative framing and understanding of pharmaceutical patent rights emerged: as a public issue, instead of a trade or IP issue. The book thus offers an important analysis of the legal and political dynamics through which the contest for access to lifesaving medication has been, and will continue to be, fought.
In addition to academics working in the areas of international law, development, and public health, this book will also be of interest to policy makers, state actors, and others with relevant concerns working in nongovernmental and international organizations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|122 pages
International Norm Setting and Patent Metamorphosis
chapter 2|22 pages
World Health Organization
chapter 6|22 pages
African Union Continental Free Trade Area
part II|148 pages
State Action and Access to Medicines Debate
chapter 1468|25 pages
Brazil
chapter 9|17 pages
From Struggle to Surge
part III|190 pages
Global Patterns and Emerging Issues
chapter 20|26 pages
Innovation Policies
chapter 21|15 pages
Not Just Patents and Data Exclusivity
part IV|14 pages
COVID-19 and Access to Medicines