Trademark INN Search
Overview
Non-proprietary names are intended for use in pharmacopeias, labeling, product information, advertising and other promotional material, drug regulation, and scientific literature, and as a basis for product names, e.g. for generics. Their use is normally required by national or, as in the case of the European Community, by international legislation
Guidelines for use of INN
INN is important for the easy and precise identification, accurate prescription and non-erroneous dispensing of medicines to patients, and for hassle-free communication and exchange of information among medical team across the globe.
INN has to be distinctive in sound and spelling, and should not cause confusion/ misperception with other names in common use. For easy access to the Names, they have been formally placed by WHO in the public domain. They can be used without any restraint whatsoever to recognise pharmaceutical elements.
The increasing coverage of the drug-name area by INN has led to the situation whereby the majority of pharmaceutical substances used today in medical practice are designated by an INN.
Regulation and Registration of INN as a trademark in India
The list of INN as declared by the registry shall aid the agents and applicants in assessing their trademark application before filing them that shall obviate the legal disputes that may arise due to such registration. This step would help them save time, cost, and effort. It is pertinent to note that Already Registered INN are still in the ambit of threat of all legal consequences that may arise due to the registration as these registrations van be challenged or opposed by public interest groups or registrar or any interested person.