Compulsory licensing is a legal mechanism that allows a government to permit someone to produce a patented product or use a patented process without the consent of the patent holder. This practice is often employed in scenarios where public health needs, such as access to essential medicines, are at stake, balancing the rights of inventors with societal interests. It serves as a critical tool in international intellectual property agreements to ensure that patents do not restrict access to vital innovations, especially in developing countries.
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