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Apr 30, 2021

Let’s talk about COVID vaccine patents

Members of the World Trade Organization are meeting to discuss a proposal from India and South Africa to temporarily suspend patents on COVID vaccines. Backers say it would increase the global supply of vaccines if more countries could manufacture them. Plus, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh weighs in on gig worker classification. And, it might be a while still before international travel for fun rebounds.

Right now, we don't have nearly enough vaccine supply for the world. A big reason for that is patents, said Amy Kapczynski, a law professor at Yale. — Right now, we don't have nearly enough vaccine supply for the world. A big reason for that is patents, said Amy Kapczynski, a law professor at Yale.
Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images

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Segments From This Episode

Could waiving patents increase the global supply of COVID-19 vaccines?
by Samantha Fields
Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images
Advocates for waiving say letting countries make generic vaccines would help. Skeptics say it’s not that simple.
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Labor Secretary Marty Walsh thinks many who work for gig companies should be classified as employees, not contractors
Marketplace’s Nancy Marshall-Genzer has more.
Americans still hesitant about international travel
by Mitchell Hartman
Chris J. Ratcliffe/Getty Images
Even as domestic travel picks up, consumers say they are wary of getting on international flights.
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Music from the episode

The Team

David Brancaccio Host
Victoria Craig Host, BBC
Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC
Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC
Daniel Shin Producer
Jay Siebold Technical Director
Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer
Alex Schroeder Producer
Erika Soderstrom Producer
Rose Conlon Producer
Brian Allison Technical Director