Canada Needs Better Patent Protection

Sanofi-Aventis chief executive Chris Viehbacher has warned that Canadian pharmaceutical companies need more comprehensive patent protection.

Speaking to the Montreal Gazette, Sanofi-Aventis chief executive Chris Viehbacher claimed that Canada's patent system isn’t near to being equivalent to that of the US or Europe, referencing both the length of time and strength of protection. Viehbacher warned that Canadian pharmaceutical companies need more comprehensive patent protection.

The issue has resurfaced amid a potential free trade agreement between Canada and Europe, in which Europe is likely to request Canada to adopt intellectual property standards similar to those that apply to EU members.

Viehbacher has suggested that the period of market exclusivity needs to be lengthened and has also questioned the way in which generic drug companies can appeal patent decision, a right not a