Intellectual property and access to ART: Authors' reply
2006

Intellectual Property and Access to ART: Authors' Reply

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Castro Arachu, Westerhaus Michael

Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School

Conclusion

Restrictions on medicines in the name of protecting intellectual property hinder access to essential medicines for those in need.

Supporting Evidence

  • Intellectual property law and patent law are distinct but both can restrict access to medicines.
  • Ownership concepts in medicine can prevent those in poverty from receiving necessary treatments.

Takeaway

When laws protect the idea of owning medicines, it can make it harder for sick people, especially those who are poor, to get the medicines they need.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0030510

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