Letter to the Editor: Canadian intellectual property

Dear, The Pharma Letter:

The characterization of the CMAJ article by Paul Grootendorst and Aidan Hollis regarding the need for reform of Canada's intellectual property regime for pharmaceuticals as an endorsement of the brand-name drug industry's position on the EU's pharmaceutical IP proposals as part of trade discussions with Canada is completely inaccurate. [This comment refers to the article titled: Another call for reform of Canada's pharma intellectual property laws; TPL November 9]

The suggestions for reform in the CMAJ article bear absolutely no resemblance to the EU's pharmaceutical IP proposals. In fact, Hollis and Grootendorst raise concerns regarding Canada's system that allows brand-name drug companies to initiate litigation against a generic firm twice on the same patent or patents.