[leereeves]

> This extends (usually by implication) to trivial variations in molecular chemistry which have no functional effect on a medication but which are used to extend patent protections solely on the basis of a structural change

How does that work? Does it extend patent protection on the original molecule? Or if not, what stops generic copies of the original version?

[s1artibartfast]

It doesnt. A competitor can make generics of the original.

What is does is stagger coverage with version release so that you have coverage for latest and greatest version.

Generics are extremely common following patent exclusivity. By then, patients and doctors usually want the shiny new drug.

[throwanem]

I found a menu. https://www.obrienpatents.com/extending-life-patents-pharmac...