Answering this question gives us an opportunity to provide our readers with insight into the pharmaceutical trademark process, and how ISMP is working to make a positive difference.
Most major companies hire branding specialists to develop trademarks that meet marketing needs.
We are pleased to report that, increasingly, the concerns of health professionals are being considered by many companies, even during the creative name development process. While ISMP rarely takes part in the creative development phase, we are told that the potential for medication errors is considered. This is a complex process. Not all trademarks in the registration file are on the market, and not all marketed products have a registered trademark. In addition, neither the company trademark attorney, nor the examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office, has access to the many generic names, medical terms or medical abbreviations that can increase confusion and lead to medical errors.