The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve institutional coordination, facilitate information sharing and prevent the inappropriate registration of generic pharmaceutical names as trademarks. The agreement was signed in Islamabad on October 12 by DRAP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Obaidullah and IPO-Pakistan Chairman Dr. Hafiz Aziz ur Rehman, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The collaboration aims to improve oversight of pharmaceutical naming practices and ensure that intellectual property protections do not restrict the appropriate use of generic medicine names.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will share relevant information and databases within their respective legal mandates. They will also arrange joint training sessions, workshops and seminars to improve understanding of the laws, regulations and practices governing pharmaceutical products and intellectual property rights. The information-sharing framework is intended to support informed regulatory decisions and improve coordination between the institutions when addressing matters that fall within their shared areas of responsibility. Both organisations will nominate focal persons at director level or above to coordinate activities and support implementation of the agreement.
A key component of the MoU is the protection of International Nonproprietary Names (INNs), which are generic names assigned to pharmaceutical substances and recommended by the World Health Organization. DRAP and IPO-Pakistan will work to discourage trademark registrations derived from these generic names or their recognised stems, in line with World Health Organization guidance and the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. Generic names help healthcare professionals identify pharmaceutical substances without relying on individual brand names. Preventing inappropriate trademark claims over these names can reduce confusion among doctors, pharmacists and patients while keeping generic terminology available for appropriate public and commercial use.
DRAP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Obaidullah highlighted the importance of implementing the agreement effectively and appreciated IPO-Pakistan’s role in finalising the cooperation framework. IPO-Pakistan Chairman Dr. Hafiz Aziz ur Rehman said a balanced approach to intellectual property protection, consistent with national laws and international commitments, is important for supporting innovation, attracting foreign investment and safeguarding public interests. The agreement establishes a framework for future cooperation, but no specific implementation timeline or additional enforcement measures were announced. Its impact will depend on how effectively both organisations share information, coordinate regulatory decisions and address trademark applications involving generic pharmaceutical terminology.
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