Intellectual Property in the Pharmaceutical Sector - Current Issues
Nick Beckett’s second article in his series on intellectual property in the pharmaceutical industry has been published in the latest edition of Pharma Magazine.
“IP and Competition Law: Clashing Tectonic Plates” looks at the inherent conflict between intellectual property rights, which aim to protect and reward innovation through the grant of monopoly rights and competition law, which promotes competitive markets and consumer choice. Nick considers the balance between the two in relation to parallel trade and the relationship between innovator and generic companies.
This follows on from the first article “Just say No: Counterfeit Drugs” which reflects on the numerous problems caused by counterfeit drugs including: the extent of the issue; the risks to both human health and brand owners; the principle causes of action against counterfeiters and the action currently being taken by the European Commission.
These articles will be proceeded over the next few months by four others, covering topical intellectual property issues specifically relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, all of which will feature in Pharma Magazine. Watch this space for news of upcoming pieces on lifecycle management; parallel trade, look-a-like products and pharmaceutical patents
