Theory and practice of intellectual property
№ 4 / 2022

ISSN (Print) 2308-0361
ISSN (Online) 2519-2744

PDF (Ukrainian)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33731/42022.265863

Published      2022-10-19

Commercial names in the pharmaceutical industry

Olena Chomakhashvili
Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0546-2138

Abstract
The article focuses on a comprehensive study of the functioning of commercial designations in the pharmaceutical industry. The notion of commercial designations in the system of intellectual property objects is considered, and the ones relevant for the pharmaceutical industry are outlined. The purpose of the article is to outline the legal
basis for the regulation of commercial designations in the pharmaceutical field and to determine the specifics of the exercise of rights to such designations.

Drug companies in the process of creating the name of a new drug must first remember that the main functions of the trademark (trade name) of the drug is to protect consumers from misleading, as well as to prevent medical workers from making a medical error that carries a significant risk to the life and health of patients.

The original name of a medicinal product may receive legal protection as a mark for goods and services (trademark). Such a trademark must meet the requirements of the legislation on the protection of designations. The trademark must not mislead consumers, be commonly used, must not contradict the principles of humanity and morality. At the same time, in the field of medicines, there are special requirements for their name.

In this case, dishonesty may be manifested both in the actions of the holder of the certificate on the trademark and in the actions of the person who registered the medicinal product. For example, a company that has received a licence to manufacture and/or sell a medicinal product is deprived of the right to manufacture and sell the
medicinal product under the name specified in the registration certificate of the drug without the consent of another person holding a certificate for the goods and services.

Likewise, It is possible that the manufacturer registers the name of the original medicinal product in the form of a trademark to protect its rights, and the unscrupulous competitor at the same time registers the generic medicinal product and, in order to mislead consumers, gives it a name similar to the trademark-name of the original drug.

It is emphasized that the manufacturer must pay special attention to the choice of the name of the drug at the stage of creating the latter, and in order to ensure the uniqueness and originality of the chosen name, the latter can be registered as a trademark. The conclusion about the importance of legal regulation of this sphere, carrying out of information and legal policy is made. The legal relations in the field of pharmaceutical branch for the purpose of revealing of stages where legal regulation of commercial designations is especially important are described.

Keywords: commercial designations, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sphere, acquisition of rights, trademark

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