World Trade Organization countries failed anew Tuesday to agree to a proposal to suspend intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccines in order to boost production and fill a void in poor nations. WTO states held talks at the global body’s headquarters in Geneva but could not reach a consensus, WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell told reporters following nine months of discussions on what he called a “very emotional issue.” Members will hold an informal meeting in early September to discuss the state of play, followed by a formal meeting on October 13 and 14. Proponents argue the temporary removal of IP rights will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.
— source courthousenews.com | Jul 27, 2021