Expansion of the waiver of intellectual property protections afforded under the TRIPS agreement

Position Paper

3 May 2023

Healthcare, Intellectual property, Trade

HomePolicy and newsLibraryExpansion of the waiver of intellectual property protections afforded under the TRIPS agreement

The US international Trade Commission (ITC) is currently conducting an investigation to decide whether to extend the Intellectual Property (IP) waiver from COVID-19 vaccines to COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics. This extension would not improve access but would undermine research and development efforts of industry in the continued fight against COVID-19 and future pandemics. Therefore, AmCham EU recommendations to policymakers would be to facilitate open trade and address regulatory barriers (including measures to reduce tariffs, limit export restrictions and support developing countries in enhancing their supply chains) and build robust delivery of vaccines and therapeutics addressing bottlenecks.

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20 May 2026

Healthcare, competitiveness, innovation and simplification

Europe’s life sciences sector sits at the heart of the EU’s competitiveness agenda. It supports advanced manufacturing and helps bring new treatments and technologies to patients. Yet companies deciding where to invest need a regulatory environment that is predictable and open to global cooperation.

The European Commission’s work on the Biotech Act and the targeted revision of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) offers an opportunity to improve that environment. Both files can help make Europe a stronger location for life sciences investment.

The EU should use this moment to build a framework that keeps pace with scientific progress. That means faster and clearer procedures. It also means better use of data and intellectual property rules that recognise the realities of global supply chains.

Healthcare

Simplification