Intellectual Property Protection in the EU Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Access to Medicines

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64545/2072-8042-2025-9-25-41

Keywords:

trade policy, European Union, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals, TRIPS Agreement, access to medicines, international trade, WTO, developing countries

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the European Union’s trade policy in the pharmaceutical sector, exploring its dual impact on the global market. It examines the dialectical contradiction between the objectives of stimulating pharmaceutical innovation through enhanced intellectual property (IP) protection and ensuring global access to medicines. Based on an analysis of the TRIPS Agreement and EU regulatory instruments, including “TRIPS-plus” provisions, the EU’s strategy of exporting its normative model is identified. A quantitative analysis of trade flows and a case study of EU-India trade relations demonstrate the practical consequences of this policy.

Author Biographies

Tatiana Mikhailovna Isachenko, MGIMO University; Russian Foreign Trade Academy

Doctor of Sciences in Economics, Department of International Economic Relations and Foreign Economic Affairs named after N.N. Liventsev - Professor;

Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies

Elsun Elvarovich Guseinov, MGIMO University; United Metallurgical Company (JSC “OMK”)

Department of International Economic Relations and Foreign Economic Affairs named after N.N. Liventsev – Postgraduate student;

Foreign Economic Activity Specialist

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Published

2025-12-10 — Updated on 2026-10-01

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How to Cite

Isachenko, T. M., & Guseinov, E. E. (2026). Intellectual Property Protection in the EU Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Access to Medicines. Russian Foreign Economic Journal, (9), 25–41. https://doi.org/10.64545/2072-8042-2025-9-25-41 (Original work published December 10, 2025)

Issue

No. 9 (2025)

Section

International trade

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Copyright (c) 2025 Russian Foreign Economic Journal

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