Tech transfer podcast: how IP owners could be forced to share know-how

Shortly after the first breakthrough on COVID vaccines in 2020, attention quickly turned to whether intellectual property could block access to new lifesaving technologies, especially in developing countries. Initially, talks centred around a patent waiver at the World Trade Organization. Patents were just one part of the story. Allowing third parties to manufacture a patented product is one thing, but what about the technical expertise and know-how required to make the product? Know-how is often protected in the form of trade secrets. This makes the issue of technology transfer and the sharing of know-how critical to any discussion around vaccine equity and future pandemic responses. In this podcast, Managing IP speaks to Olga Gurgula, senior lecturer in IP law at Brunel University in London. Gurgula, who is a frequently cited expert on access to medicines, tells Managing IP about the European Commission’s proposed compulsory licensing rules and the implications for trade secrets and tech transfer.She reveals why it’s important to compel rights owners to share know-how and how the commission could make its proposal clearer. She also delves into the argument over whether IP blocks equitable access to COVID vaccines and what policymakers should learn from the pandemic.Gurgula recently wrote a blog post for Medicines Law & Policy, which is mentioned during the conversation.