Pharmaceutical trademarks in the European Union

Mary Spears, attorney at HGF, discusses the special considerations to be taken into account when applying for pharmaceutical trademarks within the EU

The pharmaceutical industry is an important sector in the European economy. It develops life-saving medicines, provides employment to researchers and other skilled workers throughout the territory and generates billions of euros annually. As in other sectors, manufacturers enjoy the protection provided by the patent regime and, both during the life of a patent and particularly after its expiry, take advantage of the valuable tools trademarks offer for creating and maintaining demand for a product.