As an important tool to curb the abusive use of patent monopoly and to protect the public interest, patent compulsory licensing is allowed in the TRIPS Agreement to be applied in certain circumstances by WTO members. In China, the effective social welfare system has not been accomplished, and the current legislation on patent compulsory licensing is too restrictive to take advantage of the flexibility in WTO rules, some of which even beyond the TRIPS Agreement. Thus, the current law does not fittingly adapt to the development of China's economy and the needs of the public, and should be revised accordingly. |