Rebecca Georgia Dunca*

Abstract
The severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the concomitant demand for treatments and vaccines have heightened the imperative for the global
patent system to respond rapidly to the needs of the life sciences & pharma industry. However, some voices have expressed concern that intellectual
property (IP) protection for COVID-19 vaccines and therapies would inhibit their development, availability or accessibility. On the other hand, proponents of intellectual property protection counter that it is vital for the development of such products. The reality is, however, that opposition to IP protection for vaccines, therapies, diagnostics and other technologies aimed at combating and treating COVID-19 can only limit the prevention, treatment and eradication of the disease. I propose below to tentatively outline some pros, cons and considerations regarding IP protection for COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, diagnostics and other technologies.

* Avocat Baroul Bucureşti, absolventă a Universităţii Sorbona din Paris – Master 2 Profesional de Drept Internaţional şi European al Afacerilor, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.