The Australian Federal Government has commissioned an expert panel to review current extension arrangements for pharmaceutical patents. Currently, pharmaceutical patents may be extended for up to 5 years beyond the statutory 20 year term only under certain circumstances. The review of the current arrangements will have regard to various aspects including: the availability of competitively priced pharmaceuticals in the Australian market, the role of the patent system in providing employment and investment in research and industry and Australia’s position as a net importer of patents and medicines. Submissions will be invited from the public in the coming months as part of the review, with a final report due to be handed to Government in early 2013. For more information, please visit IP Australia’s website at: http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/about-us/public-consultations/review-pharmaceutical-patents/
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