WIPO Launches New Online Patent-search Resource

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), under its Patent Information Initiative for Medicines (Pat-INFORMED) has launched New Online Patent-Search Resource to help health agencies procure tested medicines.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Sep, 2018 ) :World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), under its Patent Information Initiative for Medicines (Pat-INFORMED) has launched New Online Patent-Search Resource to help health agencies procure tested medicines.

According to a WIPO communication issued and received here on Tuesday the organization in coordination with International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has introduced a new online tool designed to help procurement agencies better understand the global patent status of medicines.

It was said to be a unique resource where patent holders provide information about patents covering approved medicines through a free, open access database.

The new public database became operational Tuesday, along with a platform where procurement agencies can make direct enquiries to companies.

Pat-INFORMED was said to be a partnership between WIPO and the IFPMA, the global trade association representing the research-based pharmaceutical industry.

It originated in the industry's efforts to add clarity to patent information about medicines while WIPO's globally recognized expertise in the organization and public dissemination of patent data will make an important contribution to the accessibility of patent information.

WIPO is hosting the database and providing the resources to ensure its continued development, while IFPMA is working closely with the 20 leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies that have backed this initiative to help ensure a consistent and coordinated approach.

"WIPO is committed to increasing the transparency of the patent system and ensuring it works to benefit humankind," said WIPO Director General, Francis Gurry.

As a public-private partnership focusing on access to key patent information, Pat-INFORMED will facilitate the procurement of important medicines and thereby support better health outcomes for people across the globe.

Such partnerships are critical to success in the field of public health, added the WIPO chief.

Under the arrangement the two organizations would be contributing its extensive expertise in making complex patent information simpler and more accessible and looks forward to further collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the success of this initiative." Importantly, Pat-INFORMED also offers procurement agencies a direct communication channel for follow-on enquiries to participating companies.

Each of the participating companies, currently 20, has agreed to engage in discussions with official procurement agencies that are seeking more detailed information about granted patents on specific products.