Copyright and Trademark Issues in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Generic Compliance or Brand Drug Imitating: 'Copycat or Compliance'

Abstract

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; that is, unless the imitation is of a product produced by a multi billion-dollar industry. Then, imitation has the potential to involve intellectual property litigation. For the pharmaceutical industry, the majority of intellectual property litigation stems from the interplay between generic or imitator drug and brand name or pioneer drug manufacturers.

Keywords: copyright, trademark, pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property, generic drugs

JEL Classification: K23, K32