Patients should have access to affordable and innovative medicines. This is all the more important in times of crises. A  compulsory licensing system at EU level would guarantee the supply and the free movement of crisis-critical patented products in the Single Market.

While the Commission’s proposal goes beyond medicines, this contribution focuses on medicines and the importance of enabling alternative production or importation between countries in the Single Market of a generic version of a patented pharmaceutical product without the patentee’s prior consent during crisis or emergency situations. The proposed regulation would ensure that patients and consumers have timely access to affordable medicines, vaccines and other medical products. In doing so, compulsory licensing can also help address inequalities in access within the EU.