Ignoring patents

A WTO decision of 30th August 2003 allows national authorities to grant "compulsory licences" for the production of generic drugs for countries unable to produce them themselves. The destination country must have notified the WTO that it is seeking the medicine covered by the licence. To help ensure that medicines get to the patients who need them and to protect patent holders, customs authorities will be able to prevent the re-importation into the EU of medicines produced under the system.