Intellectual Property Rights on Covid-19 Vaccines in the U.S.

Abstract

The global development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns over intellectual property rights in the United States. In particular, the two pharmaceutical giants, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, have been embroiled in a contentious dispute over the intellectual property rights surrounding their COVID-19 vaccine technology since August 2022. The stakes are high, as the outcome of this legal battle could determine who ultimately controls this newfound and lucrative market. This paper delves into the legal framework of intellectual property rights in the United States as they apply to COVID-19 vaccines. It also raises critical ethical questions about the implications of these rights for public health and access to lifesaving treatments. By examining these issues, this paper sheds light on the ongoing tension between incentivizing innovation and ensuring equitable access to crucial medical breakthroughs.