Voters want stronger IP protections – newest poll.
BIO 24 [Biotechnology Innovation Organization, BIO is the largest advocacy association in the world representing the biotechnology industry. “U.S. voters favor strong IP protection,” January 18, 2024. https://www.bio.org/gooddaybio-archive/us-voters-favor-strong-ip-protection]
Most Americans want the Biden administration to protect intellectual property rights at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and express concerns about waiving those rights, finds a new poll commissioned by the Bayh-Dole Coalition. Why it matters: In 2022, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) agreed to a waiver of WTO IP protection for COVID vaccines. Now, USTR is considering an extension of the waiver to include COVID diagnostics and therapeutics. The key finding: 7 in 10 respondents said it’s important for the Biden administration to preserve WTO IP protections, and most said it’s very important, finds a Morning Consult poll of 2,202 U.S. adults conducted Dec. 22-24. China is a concern: 68% said U.S. adversaries like China should not be able to replicate American-made technologies without permission from the inventors—with only 11% disagreeing and 21% saying they don’t know. Vote for IP protection: 66% would be inclined to vote for a candidate who prioritizes stronger IP rights, while 11% said they prefer a candidate who weakens IP rights.