At
a conference held near Dallas last week, China's need to do more to protect
IP was discussed.
Interestingly, the story reminds us that China invalidated the patent on Viagra. Viagra has been a target for such invalidations (and for compulsory licensing) precisely because it is such a lucrative product. Nations want their own domestic (and often nationalized) industries to be able to produce and sell (and export) such lucrative consumer products.
More often than not, these things are not about health, but about creating opportunities for government-favored companies.
Interestingly, the story reminds us that China invalidated the patent on Viagra. Viagra has been a target for such invalidations (and for compulsory licensing) precisely because it is such a lucrative product. Nations want their own domestic (and often nationalized) industries to be able to produce and sell (and export) such lucrative consumer products.
More often than not, these things are not about health, but about creating opportunities for government-favored companies.