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Article

19 Oct 2001

Author:
Domenic Fazioli, Global Television Montreal

Ottawa accused of breaking its own patent law [regarding Canadian Government's decision to override Bayer's patent of anti-anthrax drug by ordering a cheaper generic version]

...The federal government can override a patent in emergency situations. But, an official emergency has not been declared. And, now Bayer is upset it was never even consulted. The German-based pharmaceutical company is even thinking about suing. Another problem for Ottawa is once the exception is made to the patent law, how many more will follow? Public health advocates welcome the renewed debate over patent protection. They say drug companies get too much protection and the patients too little.