Regulatory issues and generic names

Abstract

At a time when thousands of trade mark applications and registrations¹ for pharmaceuticals populate the world’s trade mark registers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to create, clear and protect pharmaceutical marks on a global basis. Here we will explore the regulatory issues and legal aspects which impact on the creation of pharmaceutical brands as well as the criteria for trade mark searching and protection for pharmaceutical brands. We will then turn our attention to ways of maintaining the brand well after registration and the use of trade mark notices and symbols. We will also touch upon domain names.