Pharmaceutical Patent

/ˌfɑːrməˈsuːtɪkəl ˈpætənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal right granted to an inventor that excludes others from making, using, or selling a pharmaceutical drug for a limited period, typically to incentivize innovation in drug development.
    The company secured a pharmaceutical patent to protect its new cancer medication.
  2. (n.) A form of patent specifically covering the chemical composition, formulation, or method of manufacture of a pharmaceutical product.
    Pharmaceutical patents often cover both the active ingredient and its method of delivery.

Forms

  • pharmaceutical patent
  • pharmaceutical patents

Commentary

Pharmaceutical patents are critical in balancing innovation incentives with public access to medicines; precision in defining the claims is essential to avoid challenges or infringement.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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