ChiefNode

States take patents?

Drug prices remain a hot issue, with the Washington State legislature voting to allow Washington to certify (in some way) Canadian pharmacies to allow WA to buy drugs legally. Then comes this: taking patent rights from drug companies, on a state-by-state basis, in exchange for "just compensation." A new way to apply pressure on companies to force price adjustments.

Interesting effects to watch -- if the Florida Prepaid cases are involved in the justification, such that states have immunity and can infringe on IP, what will be the ultimate impact? States infringe!? States stop filing for IP of their own?

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 21:23