“The EU is concerned about Israel’s policy regarding intellectual property rights in the area of pharmaceuticals,” said EU Ambassador to Israel Ramiro Cibrian Uzal today. His comment follows a very sharp position paper the EU recently sent to the Ministries of Justice and Industry, Trade and Labor.
In EU’s response to Israel’s reply, which “Globes” has obtained, the EU determined, “As argued by the deputy attorney general, Ministry of Justice in November 2005, there should be a very strong consideration for passing legislation that aims to reduce the protection granted to patent-holders, something that doubtfully corresponds with the current development in developed countries… We should also take into account the international consequences. In our view (Ministry of Justice) the risk Israel takes by reducing patent-holders’ protection for the sake of generic companies is not worth the risk of international consequences following this move. (translation from Hebrew from the committee of legislative affairs Knesset on Amendment No. 7 to the Patent Act, 7 November 2005.) The above indicates that not only Israel did know that the 2005 PTE amendment establishes a new policy, but also that these policies are explicitly aimed at reducing intellectual property standards in Israel.”
Cibrian Uzal added, “Israel’s answers to the questions presented by the European Commission regarding patents and the protection of information have been so far insufficient.” Using diplomatic language, he also criticized ministry reports that contradict reality.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on November 27, 2006
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