If you work in an industry that uses Intellectual Property of any kind, it’s probable that you have heard of the TRIPS waiver proposals. If you read newspapers or news websites, it’s probable that you have heard of the TRIPS waiver proposals. If you are generally interested in the COVID-19 response and concerned about global access to vaccinations and when the pandemic may be brought under control then it’s also probable that you have heard of the TRIPS waiver proposals! This article aims to explain what TRIPS is, what the waiver proposals are, and the likely timelines for discussion and implementation. It can be a deeply divisive topic and so we will refrain from opinion and restrict ourselves to the facts.