Choosing a "brand name"1 for prescription
drugs in Canada is not just about creativity or marketing appeal
– it is a careful balance between legal and regulatory
requirements. On the one hand, the brand name must qualify for
trademark protection; on the other hand, it must meet Health
Canada's approval standards. These two requirements can
conflict, creating challenges for pharmaceutical brand
development.
In this bulletin, we outline key challenges and best practices
when naming prescription drugs in Canada, along with tips for
global brand strategies.
Health Canada Brand Name Approval
In Canada, if you are seeking approval for a new prescription
drug, you will need to submit your proposed brand name to Health
Canada as part of the drug approval process.2 The brand
name is reviewed as part of Health Canada's overall evaluation;
it is not a separate or optional step.
