TWN Info Service on Intellectual Property Issues (Jun15/01)
8 June 2015
Third World Network

Dear All,

The WTO TRIPS Council will be meeting on 9-10 June in Geneva.  On the agenda is consideration of the LDC Group Request for an extension of the transition period with respect to pharmaceutical products and waivers from obligations Articles 70.8 and 70.9 of the TRIPS Agreement.

Please find attached a civil society letter (in English, French & Spanish) signed by more than 130 national, regional and international organisations representing many other individuals, patient groups, and organisations.

The  letter supports the LDC Group requests with regard to pharmaceutical transition period and request that all WTO Members honor their legal obligation under Article 66.1 and unconditionally accord to the LDCs their requested demands in particular:

(a)  A TRIPS Council decision extending the transitional period with respect to pharmaceutical products (that ends on 1 January 2016) for as long as the WTO Member remains a least developed country;

(b)  A General Council decision granting a waiver to LDCs from Article 70.8 (mailbox obligation) and Article 70.9 (exclusive marketing rights) obligations for as long as the WTO member remains a least developed country.

Regards

Sangeeta Shashikant

Third World Network