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China seeks more disclosure on foreign-held patents
27 August 2004
Source: The Scientist
Following objections from local drug manufacturers, China's State
Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) has revoked the patent for Pfizer's
Viagra, a drug that treats male erectile
dysfunction, arguing that the original patent application did
not reveal sufficient information about the active ingredients.
Paul Mooney describes how the move has generated concern among foreign companies, who are particularly worried that the details released in patent applications can make it easier to produce counterfeit versions of their drugs. Pfizer says 90 per cent of Viagra sold in China is fake.
Following a decision by SIPO's Patent Re-examination Board to revoke
its patent on Viagra, Pfizer
has filed an appeal to the Beijing First Intermediate People's Court.
If the court rules against the company, experts say that more Chinese
drug manufacturers may be encouraged to challenge foreign-held patents
for the right to sell generic
drugs on the domestic market. But Pfizer has hinted that, if
adequate intellectual property protection is not in place, it could
cut back on future investment in China.
source :-http://www.scidev.net/
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