SBORNÍK 66 SVOČ 2016

drugs is often independent on extensive patent protection. Moreover, the strict IP rules are very often harmful to public health. The TRIPS-plus provisions tend to re- strict access to life-saving medicines, increase the drug prices and restrict generic drugs from entering the market. It is often argued that these provisions have negative impact especially on healthcare in developing countries. This is undoubtedly true. However, the extensive patent protection of pharmaceuticals has negative impact on patients in developed countries as well. For example, patentability of medical procedures in the US raises prices of some medical treatments from tens of dollars to thousands of dol- lars. The patients are the ones who then have to pay for these provisions, either with money, or with their health.

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