This paper was prepared by the director of the US-based Consumer Project on Technology for the United Nations Development Programme. It examines the use of a patent without permission of the patent owner.

The article focuses on models for compulsory licensing and government use of patents as a tool to increase access to medicines in developing countries. The author outlines a recommended model for government authorisations of uses of patents without the permission of the patent owner, drawing on examples from both developed and developing countries.

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