Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to work out the issue of removing patent protection from vaccines against coronavirus. He stated this at a working meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.
“Now, we hear, in Europe there is an idea that, in my opinion, merits attention, namely: to remove patent protection from vaccines against COVID-19 in general. And this is not only not contradictory, but, as I understand it, complies with certain rules of the World Trade Organization, which provides for the removal of such patent protection in extraordinary circumstances. But a pandemic is an emergency, “the president said.
He instructed Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova to consider this initiative.
Earlier, US authorities announced support for the decision to deny intellectual property rights to vaccines against COVID-19. The statement was approved by WHO, as well as the leadership of the European Union.