For enterprises, whoever issues production licenses to competitors is tantamount to poaching their own corners. Patents and production licenses are a form of protection for successful companies and guarantee the quality of medicines. But does this still hold true in the face of a pandemic? Should patent protection drive impoverished people to desperation? The WTO has provided a full set of equipment to 148 member countries to activate patent compulsory licensing terms in a state of emergency, allowing qualified companies to produce Tamiflu. In this case, Roche would have to give up its patent rights. After all, states of emergency have their own special laws.
Of course, there will also be disadvantages: businessmen in rich countries can import low-priced products provided by compulsory licensed manufacturers, because the price difference will be attractive. The government, companies and patients all need to calmly observe the pros and cons of compulsory licensed production.