Monday, 30 April 2007

"The sanctioning of countries for using legitimate and important flexibilities in the TRIPS agreement brings shame to all U.S. citizens who are increasingly seen in Thailand and elsewhere as bullies and hypocrites." 

The following is the statement of  James Love, Executive Director,  Knowledge Ecology International

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Between November 2006 and January 2007, Thailand issued compulsory licenses for two AIDS drugs (efavirnz and the combination of lopinavir+ritonavir) and one antihypertension drug (clopidegrel).  The pharmaceutical industry has vehemently objected to these compulsory licenses, and has sought the US government's assistance in the matter.  Though USTR  has been careful not to claim that the Thai government has violated the TRIPS Agreement, it did place Thailand on the 301 Report's Priority Watch List.  Currently, the Thai government is in the process of deciding whether or

September 5, 2007. David Cronin for Intellectual Property Watch.  EU Split Over Thai Effort to Obtain Cheapter Patented Drugs.

July 24, 2007. Bangkok Post. Thai Activists Attack Drug Ban.