New Medicines Trademark Policy Coming in Brazil
Brazil's National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance (Anvisa) is hosting a public hearing on 24 September 2013 to discuss the criteria that have been proposed for the creation of trade names for medicines in Brazil.
The agency's proposal has been the subject of public consultation since it was first proposed in 2010 (CP No. 72/2010) and is intended to minimize or eliminate the possibility of misinterpretation, error or confusion as to the source, origin, nature, composition or quality of pharmaceuticals.
Companies would also not be permitted to use words or phrases that imply that the drug is harmless, natural, free of or with reduced side effects, or has superior quality and special properties not proven, or that may lead to self-medication. The public hearing will provide another opportunity for interested parties to submit suggestions and contributions to the proposal.