Thai Patent Authorities Await U.S. Compulsory Licensing Challenge Before WTO
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Thailand's patent authorities say they are bracing for a suit they expect to be filed by the United States before the World Trade Organization over the pharmaceutical compulsory-license dispute. A senior official of the Commerce Ministry says America is preparing a suit that alleges Thailand never discussed with patent holders its plan to abrogate drug patents so generic versions of certain drugs could be sold in the country. Thai officials dispute that claim, saying the government had negotiated with patent owners before compulsory licenses were announced. Drug makers offered only to lower their prices gradually. (Click here for more