WTO panel to begin talks on patent waiver for coronavirus vaccines

A conclusion likely by July 21, when the General Council is scheduled to meet. Meanwhile, India will engage with all members via text negotiations

A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel has agreed to begin text-based negotiations to take forward India and South Africa’s proposals on patent waiver for Covid-19 vaccines and drugs.

The development comes in the backdrop of a two-day meeting of the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) council that concluded on Wednesday.

The chair has suggested reaching a conclusion by July 21, when the General Council is scheduled to meet. Meanwhile, India will engage with all members on line-by-line text negotiations, a person aware of the matter said. There was no objection on the matter from any member nation to move to