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China defends decision to revoke Viagra patent
September 6, 2004
Beijing - China on Monday defended its decision to overturn US-based
Pfizer's patent for Viagra
in a ruling that was widely seen as a setback to protection of intellectual
property rights in the country.
Deputy head of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) Zhang Qin said the patent licence originally granted in 2001 was invalidated after experts reviewed the case in response from complaints by more than 10 Chinese pharmaceutical companies.
"The major reason for the patent office to do so was because the technological disclosure made in the patent's explanation document was insufficient," Zhang said at a press conference.
The patent for the top selling erectile
dysfunction drug was revoked by SIPO in July, claiming Pfizer
was in breach of intellectual property law because it failed to
accurately explain the uses of the pill's key ingredient, sildenafil
citrate.
The head of Pfizer Henry McKinnell has said he is "extremely disappointed" and urged Beijing to be more serious in protecting intellectual property rights.
Zhang said Viagra had not been granted a patent in many other countries "so China wasn't alone in making such a decision".
He added that "law enforcement bodies were working in strict accordance with international practices and Chinese laws".
Pfizer has the right to appeal, which it has indicated it would do.
State media reported last month that 17 Chinese pharmaceutical companies were planning to set up a joint-stock company to make an erectile dysfunction drug that would cost 40-50 yuan (4.8-6.0 dollars) per tablet.
The Pfizer product costs 99 yuan (12 dollars). - AFP
source :-http://www.busrep.co.za | 
