The COVID-19 Pandemic: Stress Test for Intellectual Property and Pharmaceutical Laws

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to certain standards in patent law as well pharmaceutical law. This paper discusses questions whether and under what conditions government-ordered or privately claimed compulsory licensing can contribute controlling the pandemic. existing obstacles conflicts current legal framework, such lack of international harmonization coherence between (compulsory licensing) (data protection), are outlined discussed. A possible solution could lie modernization relevant provisions create an internationally harmonized balance public interest using important patents present future emergency situations owners data market exclusivity holders allowing exemptions within clearly defined limits. article concludes with discussion that may influence solutions.