Thread by @CoppetainPU

WTO members remained divided on the proposal to waive intellectual property rules for COVID-19 in today's informal meeting, although most said they were willing to discuss the new text.

The US, China, New Zealand and Ukraine shifted their positions to back the waiver

1/5

Some countries asked for more time to study the new #WtoCOVID19waiver text or remained sceptical about the waiver's ability to help access to vaccines and other products.

They included: Australia, Brazil, EU, Japan, Korea, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK.

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As expected, some countries disliked the new proposed time period for the waiver—three years, to be extended unless WTO members decide by consensus to end it.

One called it a blank cheque for the waiver to last indefinitely, undermining incentives for research & innovation.

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The consensus rule means only one country would be needed to block ending the waiver.

The EU said it would circulate a proposal for a global trade initiative on supply and access to vaccines, including clarifying use of compulsory licensing.

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See: ec.europa.eu/commission/com…

A trade official said the comments were mainly brief and general, as if members were sizing each other up before a fuller debate when the WTO intellectual property (TRIPS) council meets formally next week.

"It felt like the first round of a boxing contest," one said.

5/5

UPDATE

1. The EU's "communication" to the WTO intellectual property (TRIPS) Council (tweet 4/5⬆️) is out

It's here: docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/S…

It accompanies another to the General Council: docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/S…

The IP doc explains the relationship, focuses on 3rd of 3 points

2. See also the EU's press release: ec.europa.eu/commission/pre…

We'll see how other countries react. Already some people are complaining that this will distract from talks on the waiver

/end

PS. Thread from the EU