But a patent on a molecule-such as a compound that treats a disease in a unique way-creates a period of protection during which no one else can sell the molecule for that particular purpose.

但是一个在分子方面的专利——比如一种能治病的独特的化合物——很长一段时间别人都不可能生产出类似的产品来。

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IP right laws are there to protect the interests of patent, copyright and trademark holders for a limited period of time.

知识产权法是用来保护专利、版权和商标持有者有限时间内的利益的。

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A patent gives inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a fixed period of time.

专利授予发明者对其发明在一定时期内的专有权。

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One solution: Offer drug companies a set period of exclusivity, without fear of patent challenges, after a drug is approved.

FORBES: Drug Patent Peril

Ending patent protection usually requires a law suit, because the patent owner files follow-on patents of lesser merit to extend the patent period, and a court has to decide at what point the incremental patents are invalid.

FORBES: The High Stakes Games Around Generic Lipitor

Earnings were also hurt as Pfizer entered into a period many analysts are calling a patent black hole, as many of its biggest drugs go generic.

FORBES: Magazine Article