Government Launches Review of Pharmaceutical Patents
29 November 2012
The Australian government is taking steps to ensure that its patent system is delivering effective outcomes for consumers and industry with the appointment of an expert panel to review pharmaceutical patents, IP Australia said in a release. IP Australia is the country’s national intellectual property office.
The Panel will seek public comment before submitting a final report to the government in April 2013.
“The Australian government is taking practical steps to ensure access to affordable medicines, while fostering innovation and research, with the appointment of an expert panel to review the appropriateness of the extension of term arrangements for pharmaceutical patents,” the statement said.
The review panel announced by Mark Dreyfus, the Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation, comprises:
• Tony Harris, former New South Wales Auditor-General and Parliamentary Budget Officer, as chair;
• Dianne Nicol, associate dean, research, at the University of Tasmania; and
• Nicholas Gruen, CEO of Lateral Economics.
The review will evaluate whether the system for pharmaceutical patents is effectively balancing the objectives of securing timely access to competitively priced pharmaceuticals, while fostering innovation and supporting research. In particular, the extension of term provisions will be reviewed.
Currently under the Patents Act 1990, patents for pharmaceuticals may be extended by up to five years beyond the standard 20 year term. The extension of term provision was introduced in 1998 and is due for review.
The panel’s final report is due to be provided to the government in early 2013. A public consultation process will form part of the review.