International meetings hold big implications for Americans and our innovation ecosystem

Global leaders are having several discussions at the world’s major multilateral organizations (MLOs) which could have a significant impact on American innovation, health outcomes and pandemic preparedness. MLOs are bringing together leaders from around the world, including U.S. policymakers, to negotiate and potentially adopt policies related to intellectual property (IP) and pandemic readiness. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pandemic Accord
The WHO Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) reconvened in Geneva for its eighth meeting to negotiate the agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. World leaders are attempting to find consensus and prepare the final agreement for the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. The agreement should promote policies that support biopharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing, advance global health and pandemic readiness, and avoid any measures that would undermine innovation and collaboration.  

World Trade Organization’s (WTO) TRIPS Waiver Extension
In Abu Dhabi this week, trade ministers from around the world, including U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, will gather for the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) to discuss global trade issues. Part of this discussion will focus on whether to expand the decision at the last Conference to waive global commitments to protect IP for COVID-19 vaccines — a harmful decision referred to as the “TRIPS waiver” — to COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. The Biden administration is still considering expansion, despite that doing so would harm U.S. leadership, manufacturing, jobs, innovation and pandemic preparedness. Many agree that expanding the TRIPS waiver is not necessary, would hurt medical innovation and put patients at risk.

World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Negotiations on Genetic Resources (GRs) and Associated Traditional Knowledge
WIPO members will assemble in May for the final negotiation of the draft International Legal Instrument Relating to IP, GRs and Traditional Knowledge Associated with GRs. This agreement would implement new disclosure obligations for patent applicants, requiring them to share information regarding the origin of the GRs. Such obligations would create legal uncertainties for innovators globally and detrimentally affect American researchers’ ability to develop products related to GRs.

As policymakers navigate these important and challenging discussions, they should heed the lessons learned from COVID-19, including the vital role of innovation and collaboration in addressing global crises. Undermining IP rights now would severely hamper readiness efforts and curtail scientific advancement. Instead, officials should focus on policies that address true barriers to progress and support innovation.