For a long time, China's IPR protection of traditional Chinese medicine has lagged behind, which is one of the main reasons why TCM-related IPR disputes between domestic and foreign firms frequently happened. In recent years, over 1,000 TCM-related patents have squatted by foreign firms, including some renowned medicines.
During the NPC and CPPCC sessions in 2009, a political adviser and the president of Renhe Pharmacy, Co., Ltd. Yang Wenlong suggested to tighten the protection of TCM-related IPRs, and boost the good development of TCM industry.
Yang proposed some suggestions including enhancing the awareness of TCM firms on IPR protection, doing more theory research on IPR protection, perfecting IPR protection system, exerting the balancing role of IP system, solving the conflicts between variety protection and patent protection, and quickening the form of IP protection system. [Chinese version is available on China Industry & Commerce News]
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