Jim Higgins
Question:106 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he proposes extending from 16 to 20 years the length of time a company may hold a patent on a drug.
Written Answers. - Drug Patents.
The new Patents Bill, which I hope to be in a position to submit shortly to the Government, will propose a patent term of 20 years in respect of inventions in all fields of technology. This will bring Irish law, on this point, into line with that of our EC partners.