[Common international names and trademarks in the pharmaceutical field]

This issue describes the selection procedures to obtain the International Nonproprietary Names (DCI o INN) and Italian Nonproprietary Names (DCIt). The former are approved by WHO, the latter by the Italian Health Authority. The peculiar characteristic is that the chemically- and pharmacologically-related compounds show a common relationship with the denomination. The procedures to obtain the Proprietary Trademarks deeply differ from those governing INN. Trademarks are granted by the Patent Offices and for their protection, unlike INN, it is necessary to file the application to ale the interested Countries. Through a unique application, the international protection to the 21 Countries that ratified the Arrangement of Madrid may be obtained. Moreover this issue explains also described the rules adopted by the different Countries, first use right, expiration for non use, mechanism for their registration, means of defence and maintenance of Trademarks.