GENEVA (AP) — World Trade Organization member nations have agreed to intensify talks toward geared at improving access to COVID-19 products. Developing nations are pushing for a proposal to ease patents and other intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines, but some wealthier countries remain opposed. A panel focusing on intellectual property wrapped up a two-day meeting on Wednesday with an agreement to start a process for pulling together proposals to improve the fight against COVID-19 through the WTO’s intricate system of rules. Intellectual property includes patents on technological know-how like discovering and manufacturing vaccines. WTO members plan to start discussions next week in hope of sending a report to the Geneva-based trade body’s ambassadors in July.
WTO to intensify talks on easing access to COVID-19 vaccines
