Compulsory Licensing

/ˌkɒmpəlˈsɔːri ˈlaɪsənsɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal mechanism allowing a government to authorize use of a patented invention without the patent holder's consent under specific conditions, often to address public interest.
    The government issued compulsory licensing to manufacture affordable generic drugs.

Forms

  • compulsory licensing

Commentary

Compulsory licensing balances patent rights with public needs; precise statutory conditions must be met to enforce it.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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