health
April 28, 2026
Andean court rules in favor of Colombia and rejects lawsuit over mandatory license for HIV medication
The court also recognized that mandatory licenses are legitimate tools within the intellectual property system. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- The Andean Community Court of Justice rejected a lawsuit filed by ViiV Healthcare Company and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. against Colombia.
- The lawsuit challenged Colombia's granting of a mandatory license for the HIV medication Dolutegravir.
- The court ruled that Colombia did not breach Andean legal order and acted in accordance with legal requirements.
- The mandatory license was granted to ensure public health and access to Dolutegravir, especially for vulnerable populations.
- The court recognized mandatory licenses as legitimate tools within intellectual property systems, balancing patent rights with public interest.
- This decision is considered a significant precedent in the Andean region, supporting the harmonization of intellectual property with public interest and access to medicines.