A review panel, established by the Australian Government to report on the benefits and possible disadvantages of Australian pharmaceutical patents, has released an Issues Paper.
The discussion paper considers many aspects of pharmaceutical patents in Australia, and does not limit the issues on which submissions can be made. The extension of term provisions are an important part of the review. Other topics that have been raised include so-called evergreening and whether patents for new formulations and new uses of known products should be allowed, and whether the law on data exclusivity is appropriate.
Have a chat to us if you would like any assistance on understanding the discussion paper, and if you would like help in preparing submissions.
The deadline for submissions is 21 January 2013. Public hearings will be held in February 2013.