08/07/2022 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission announced on Thursday 7 July the opening of a public consultation on a legislative proposal on compulsory licencing of patents in connection with the Intellectual Property Action Plan (see EUROPE 12609/11). The overall aim is to create a system of compulsory licences in the EU that would be less fragmented and more responsive to EU-wide crises, particularly in the health field. The institution envisages three scenarios: - the status quo; - the presentation of non-legislative measures (guidelines, recommendations); - legislative changes to create an EU coordination mechanism for granting in times of crisis. The institution is also considering the introduction of a compulsory licence at EU level. A combination of legislative and non-legislative measures is also an option. For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/2kf (PH)