COVID-19 has dramatically impacted all of our lives, both personally and professionally. We at LOT Network would like to extend our deepest condolences for those that have lost family or co-workers in this pandemic.
Companies and communities are being asked for so much right now. Whether it’s working from home or changing the way we do business, we all have one thing in common – COVID-19 is changing our daily lives.
It has been inspiring to see so many of our member companies pivot their business models to respond to the crisis. Whether it’s car makers reassembling their lines to manufacture ventilators or bottling companies shifting from beverages to producing hand sanitizer, we’re proud of our members for their ability to respond quickly to the global challenge facing everyone.
COVID-19 does not stop for geographical boundaries, and it will take the collective effort of the high-tech community to develop the science needed to arrest this pandemic. To ensure that effort is not hampered by IP barriers, we wanted to let you know that industry leaders have come together to clear the path ahead of science, and make sure IP does not delay the solution or cost us another life.
In April, Canon, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, along with 16 other founders announced the OPEN COVID-19 DECLARATION, in which the declarers pledge not to enforce their worldwide intellectual property rights against activities aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Other LOT members including KDDI, Denso, Mazda, Subaru and Square Enix quickly joined to support this effort.
Without seeking compensation, declarers in essence commit not to assert any patents, utility models, designs or copyrights, against any activities whose purpose is stopping the spread of COVID-19, including diagnosis, prevention, containment and treatment, until the World Health Organization (WHO) declares that the COVID-19 outbreak no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Already, more than 70 companies and organizations have signed the declaration and over 800,000 patents have been pledged under this commitment.
To learn more about the Open COVID-19 Declaration, visit the website or contact Hisao Yamasaki.
Ken Seddon, CEO LOT Network