Manila Bulletin – October 16, 2007

Citing public interest, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philip¬pines) said it is still going to rule on a petition calling for the cancellation of Pfizer's patent over Norvasc, an anti-hypertensive maintenance medicine commonly used by Filipinos, despite the expiration of the giant drug firm's patent in June this year.

IP Philippines Director General Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. told reporters they are going to issue a decision before the end of the year.

"The Bureau of Legal Affairs, which has jurisdiction over Norvasc case under Pfizer was instructed to continue, process and expedite the process because this is a case that is impressed with public interest. We should have a decision before the year ends," Cristobal said.

As if to justify the delay in its decision, Cristobal said, they need to rule on the pe¬tition filed by the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) for the lifting of the patent because the issue involves public interest.

"So, we make sure that there will be no more delays in proceedings because it is impressed with public interest," Cristobal said.

At the same time, Cristobal noted the Norvasc case as a very technical one and thus requires them more time to peruse on the petition.

"This an important case and it is also a very technical case so we expect the proceedings to be very thorough and for both sides to be able to present their sides and for BLA to come up with a fair decision," Cristobal said.

Once the BLA has issued a decision, either party can appeal the decision to the Director General and can further elevate the case to the Court of Appeals.

IP Philippines must also issue a decision regardless of the other cases, which maybe filed in the court.

At present, Pfizer had also pending case against the PITC before the Makati Regional Trial Court for the importation of Norvasc even before its patent's expiration. (BCM)