USTR on Phillippines attempts to promote use of generic names ---- TRIPS trademark violations?

[James Love <love@cptech.org>]

I had missed this before, but apparently USTR has the Philippines on the
Watch List for proposals to promote the use of generic names on
pharmaceutical drugs .  The USTR has been involved in similar disputes
with South Africa, Thailand and other countries.  I'll ask Claude Burcky
at USTR for details.  This might involve complaints about requiring the
use of the generic name on the package, or it might concern prescribing
practices.  I welcome addition info on this.

Jamie

>From 1999 USTR Special 301 

http://www.ustr.gov/releases/1999/04/99-41.html

The Philippines is also considering a proposal which would conflict with
TRIPS trademark obligations by restricting the use of brand names on
pharmaceutical products. 



-- 
James Love, Director, Consumer Project on Technology
I can be reached at love@cptech.org, by telephone 202.387.8030,
by fax at 202.234.5176. CPT web page is http://www.cptech.org