In this thesis, licensing is explored across legal fields as a tool to access affordable medicines while furthering the use of the intellectual property system offered by the TRIPS Agreement.

Key to the exploration of the use of licensing for this purpose is the multifaceted approach acknowledging that licensing is not purely a matter of contract law, but it equally operates with considerations of international trade law, competition law, intellectual property law and - sector-specific - human rights law, pharmaceutical law or regulatory considerations.

The thesis demonstrates that licensing, appropriately designed and implemented, can be a powerful tool for reducing the cost of medicines without dismantling the intellectual property system. It harnesses licensing as a bridge between incentives for innovation and access thereto. It offers a conceptual framework, a policy toolkit and practical implementation considerations. After analyzing the relevant legal landscape, the thesis formulates best practice recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and institutions seeking to improve access to affordable medicines, within the existing international legal framework and intellectual property system.