Abstract: The presentation will focus on whether and if so, how the need for innovation, protection and regulation in the healthcare sector can be balanced with the responsibilities of ESG requirements. The monopoly component of a patent consists of the right to prevent competition and to charge a maximum market price. In gist, intellectual property (IP) rights are market incentives for patentees to derive maximum economic efficiency divorced from the concept of welfare. In contrast, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), focusses on sustainability from an ethical, responsibility framework. Thus, there is a natural tension between the area of law that improves the corporate bottom line by securing exclusionary monopoly rights with a core principle that focuses on the inclusive welfare possibilities of innovation and its by-products. Navigating these cross-roads will be a challenge for policy makers, industry and ultimately, the corporate board, which will be the focus of the presentation

Bio of the Speaker: Srividhya Ragavan specializes in Intellectual Property, Patents, Trade focusing on the interdisciplinary perspectives of intellectual property and its implications on health. She is currently a Professor of Law & Director, International Legal Program, Texas A&M School of Law. Her research brings together three distinct areas of expertise: (a) access to medications and health; (b) intellectual property; and (c) trade and development. She is also a member of the law school’s top-ranked Center for Learning Intellectual Property Rights.

Srividhya has published 6 books, 100 law review articles, book chapters, and policy reports. She sits on the editorial board of several interdisciplinary and scientific journals in Asia, Europe and Canada. She serves in leadership roles in several professional organizations, including the Association of American Law Schools, the International Law Association and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries. Sri regularly advises national governments and international organizations on issues related to Intellectual Property and International Trade. She is an expert for the World Intellectual Property Organization, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization. Ragavan has testified at the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) as well as before the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR).

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