Encourages USTR Ambassador Tai to expand beyond just IP for vaccines

Washington, DC – Re:Create issued the below statement from Executive Director Joshua Lamel on today’s announcement that the United States will support a temporary waiver for COVID-19 vaccines’ intellectual property protections:

“U.S. support for the WTO TRIPS waiver is a momentous step forward for balancing intellectual property with the needs of our society at this historic time. Re:Create is encouraged to see the Biden Administration support expanding access to COVID care around the world. This decision puts the lives of people above the interests of IP lobbyists. 

“But it’s important to remember that the WTO TRIPS Waiver should cover more than just vaccines – it should cover other important issues like access to research and medical equipment right-to-repair. We urge President Biden, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and other policymakers to clarify and expand their support to encompass a waiver for all IP barriers, including copyright, to prevent, contain and treat COVID-19.”