Non-voluntary licensing of antivirals under patent: options the Australian Government should consider in light of a potential bird flu pandemic

In the face of a potential bird flu pandemic, Australian Federal Health Minister, Tony Abbott, has recently dismissed expert advice that the government should begin, or even publicly consider, authorising generic manufacturers to produce antivirals, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, under patent via non-voluntary licensing methods. This is despite the fact that the demand for antivirals in Australia, and throughout the world, cannot be met by manufacturers under the control of limited patent owners alone. This article proposes that Australian patent law, which allows for non-voluntary licensing when it comes to important public health issues that affect Australian citizens, is relevant in meeting the demand for increased antiviral treatments during a possible bird flu pandemic, domestically and abroad. It argues that the Australian Government must go beyond what is currently being done and investigate and pursue such options.     

Reviews

Nigel Swain, Hungary—The Rise and Fall of Feasible Socialism. London and New York: Verso, 1992, vii + 264 pp., £13.95 p/b.

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Book review

Sentencing and Criminal Justice Andrew Ashworth ISBN 0521674050 Cambridge University Press, 4th edn, 2005     

China fuels its future with Africa's riches

There have been mixed reactions to China's aggressive pursuit of Africa's energy resources both within African countries and in the international community, for a range of different reasons. The extent of the Chinese penetration means Africans need to look at how to best exploit the situation for sustainable development, rather than for short‐term gain.