Reflections on IP exclusivity in the wake of the Corona virus outbreak

Abstract

The global outbreak of COVID-19, better known as the Corona-virus, makes daily headlines around the world. As the virus spreads to two of this Kat's most beloved cities – Florence and Tilburg – it is clear that it is affecting many people's lives, even if in most cases it is rather the precautionary measures that are most strongly felt. For instance, travel bans, such as the one imposed by Hong Kong on all travellers from Korea, separate families. And a harrowing two-week quarantine of a cruise ship off the coast of Japan had people stay in their rooms, isolated for 14 days—a measure now criticized for potentially causing more infections. To be sure, the virus is dangerous, but it should be kept in mind that precautionary measures also have their price for daily life.