Number: RL33159
Title: Influenza Antiviral Drugs and Patent Law Issues
Authors: Brian T. Yeh, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report examines the role that intellectual property rights play in affecting the availability of a patented drug such as Tamiflu during public health crises. The report also explains one legal mechanism for increasing a patented drug's production without the patent holder's consent: governments may abrogate a pharmaceutical company's patent rights by issuing compulsory licenses to other drug companies to manufacture generic versions of the drug.
Pages: 17
Date: August 16, 2007