The Medical Inventions Act is the primary source of protection for new and innovative medical devices. It was enacted by statute, covering all United States patents. This law also governs other related acts such as the Patent Law and Trademark Law. These laws ensure that the public is protected from unfair patent infringements by generic and foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers. They also provide protection for various forms of medical information and methodologies.
One major advantage of the Medical Inventors Act is that it protects against a competitor’s unauthorized copying or invention of a patented idea. This act covers so many aspects of the medical world, from drug development to surgical techniques and diagnostic procedures to diagnostic devices. This legislation has been instrumental in establishing a uniform system of patents throughout the country. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have further enforced its authority and power under the law by publishing its guidelines and interpretations on its web site and by publishing its rules and regulations on printed publications.
The USPTO publishes an annual calendar of published rules and regulations. One can browse this to keep abreast of the developments in the medical field. Another option to get to know the latest medical inventions is to subscribe to the RSS feeds of the USPTO. The RSS feed will send you regular updates on the latest medical inventions. The Electronic Medical Record and CPT Codes Alert service is another useful way of keeping abreast of medical developments.
On the other hand, foreign manufacturers can bring up to date medical equipment and pharmaceutical drugs with little or no difficulty at all. This has led to a situation where the two countries are economically and technically in a situation of fierce competition. Many foreign manufacturers have decided to enter into collaborations with domestic counterparts. This has resulted in the opening up of channels of communication between the two sides. This is expected to increase the rate of medical innovations and productivity.
It is very important to make sure that a medical device or drug does not violate any local, regional, or national laws. The FDA plays a key role in monitoring the conformity of medical devices or drugs. Any violation of the law can lead to fines and punishment. It is advisable to consult a lawyer before venturing into a deal.
While purchasing any medical device or drug, it is always advisable to check with your physician. The FDA has issued guidelines that must be strictly followed. A number of websites provide useful information on medical inventions. These include the history of the invention, company details, medical claims made, clinical trials conducted, and licensing activities of the patent holder. Such resources are very useful in making intelligent decisions about a medical invention.