Using Intellectual Property Flexibilities to Accelerate Progress Against Micronutrient Deficiencies

Ever since the adoption of TRIPS, it has become increasingly clear that the intellectual property provisions of the WTO do not effectively support the needs of developing countries. Instead, they principally serve transnational corporate interests disproportionately. We discuss some pathologies of the system for public health, especially the challenge of effectively overcoming micronutrient deficiencies. We discuss the use of public health exceptions in WTO law and argue for greater use of tools such as compulsory licensing, especially with regard to affordably addressing malnutrition.