Spain Backs IP Waivers; Japan to Extend Emergency: Virus Update Bloomberg 52 mins ago Bloomberg News (Bloomberg) -- Spain is backing a proposal to waive intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines, setting the stage for a tense debate when European Union leaders meet Friday. Spain’s position puts it at odds with the German government, which on Thursday opposed a U.S. call to drop patent protection for the shots. Popular Searches Japan is set to extend a virus state of emergency that includes Tokyo to the end of May. Hong Kong will shorten mandatory quarantine stays for fully vaccinated inbound travelers.