Governmental Use of Patented Inventions during a Pandemic: A Global Survey

Around the globe, pharmaceutical and medical device companies are helping in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these companies may have patents pertaining to technology that could be used for the benefit of the broader public during this time of crisis, such as patents on ventilators, diagnostic tests, pharmaceuticals or personal protective equipment. Governments around the globe have mechanisms in place that can mandate the use of patented inventions during a national emergency.

The reference guide provides a high-level overview of the governmental authorization provisions in Canada, the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Australia.