Question & AnswerQ&A (BUREAU CIRCULAR NO. 21, S. 1999)
The primary purpose is to prevent similarity or confusion with other previously registered product brand names to protect consumers and maintain clear identification of products.
No, a brand name of imported products, even if patented or registered in other countries, will not be allowed if an identical or similar brand name is already registered with BFAD.
Prohibited brand names include deceptive brand names, deceptively descriptive names (e.g., Best, Most Effective), geographically descriptive names that falsely indicate country of origin, names identical or similar to already registered names, and names that would confuse or mislead consumers.
Only one brand name is allowed per pharmaceutical formulation registered to a manufacturer, trader, or importer. However, different brand names are allowed if the products contain the same active ingredients but are used for different therapeutic indications.
No, a brand name used for a given formulation must not be reused for a new formulation with different or additional active ingredients.
Brand names must not be confusing in speech, rhyme, or writing with other names, must not be similar to the first syllables of existing names unless distinctiveness is clear, and must differ in prefix, middle, or suffix if they apply to different generic drug classes or indications.
No, brand names must not be identical or similar to INNs by changing/dropping a single letter or syllable, including INN stems, or combining INN elements for multi-component products.
Applicants must check their proposed brand name against the list of BFAD-registered brand names posted at BFAD to ensure the name is not identical or similar to existing brand names.
The application for registration of the product will be denied or not approved if the brand name does not comply with the established guidelines.