Number: RL30756
Title: Patent Law and Its Application to the Pharmaceutical Industry: An Examination of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (The Hatch-Waxman Act)
Authors: Wendy H. Schacht and John R. Thomas, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report examines the role of patents in pharmaceutical innovation and provides an overview of the general principles of patent law as applied to inventions of the pharmaceutical industry. The study explores the provisions of several relevant statutes including the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act. Issues and opportunities associated with the implementation of this law are addressed, since the pharmaceutical industry has been described as a patent-intensive one. Enterprises within this sector frequently obtain patent protection and enforce patent rights, and reportedly place a higher comparative value on patents than do competitors in may other markets.
Pages: 41
Date: January 10, 2005