Patent disputes: When drug patents expire, fighting begins

Article Abstract:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled in 2004 that a company that owns patent rights to a drug can also sell an unbranded version during the 180-day period, but generic drug makers say such 'authorized generics' either reduce or kill the market while big drug manufacturers argue the procedure lowers prices. The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) seeks intervention by Congress or FDA in the industry-backed "citizen-petitions" at the agency that can delay or prevent the introduction of a non-brand-name medication after a patent has expired.

United States, Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Pharmaceutical preparations, Patents & copyrights, Pharmaceutical industry, Intellectual property, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Industry forecasts, Generic Pharmaceutical Association

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Should Congress require the states to permit competition in providing electric power to all customers, including residential users?

Article Abstract:

Controversy exists on whether there should be a federal mandate for states to open up competition for electric power to residential and all other customers. Opponents claim that some states with low utility rates would suffer rate increases as larger markets encroached. Two examples of states with such low rates are Idaho and New Hampshire. Supporters of mandatory competition note that electricity is an item of interstate commerce, and the diversity of states' regulations influences the variation in pricing.

Analysis, Management, Competition (Economics), Electric utilities, Energy policy, Political aspects

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