FAQs Patent Questions

Question:What is a trade secret?

Answer:
A trade secret is information that companies keep secret to give them an advantage over their competitors. No mechanism exists to federally record or register a trade secret.

Question:What is the difference between patents and exclusivity?

Answer:
Patents and exclusivity work in a similar fashion but are distinctly different from one another. Patents are granted by the patent and trademark office anywhere along the development lifeline of a drug and can encompass a wide range of claims. Exclusivity is exclusive marketing rights granted by the FDA upon approval of a drug and can run concurrently with a patent or not. Exclusivity is a statutory provision and is granted to an NDA applicant if statutory requirements are met.

Question:How long is exclusivity granted for?

Answer:
It depends on what type of exclusivity is granted. Orphan Drug (ODE) - 7 years New Chemical (NCE)- 5 years "Other" Exclusivity - 3 years for a "change" if criteria are met Pediatric Exclusivity (PED) - 6 months added to existing Patents/Exclusivity Patent Challenge – (PC) – 180 days (this exclusivity is for ANDAs only)

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