What are the pros/cons regarding brand/generic name medicine/products?

[Jessica A Bruno]

I mean it can be brand named/OTC (Over counter)/prescription/store brand. I for one always questioned it, but never asked it until now.

Think thats it for now.

[Otherside]

I have my suspects that secretly, they're all the same meds. Some you just pay more for to have a different label on the box.

Could just be here though.

[life]

its to do with copyright, the chemical (active ingredient) is the same http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=46204

[Member11]

its to do with copyright

Actually it's patents, copyright is for creative works like novels, drawings, music, film, etc, while patents is to protect inventions that solve a problem or is to protect a product. Medicine usually has a patent which at some point expires, at which time a lot of cheaper brands flood the market, although there will still be "off-brands" for non-expired patents on medicine, in these cases those brands pay the patent holder(s) to use it.

Edit: I know way too much about the law for a non-lawyer.

[life]

joker i stand corrected