Expert Advice: FDA Social Media Guidelines Updated for Drug Makers

It’s been nearly five years since drug makers and other in the industry were promised FDA-approved guidelines as a part of the Prescription Drug User Free Act (section 1121.) For many drug companies, the lack of guidelines has hindered their marketing outreach due to fear that any participation in social media (or online advertising for that matter) could result in fines or penalties based on unclear policy and regulation.  This week, the FDA released a 10-page document that outlined the first in what promised to be more concise guidelines for the industry, which are due in July of this year as a part of the 2012 FDA Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) which requires the agency to “issue guidance that describes FDA policy regarding the promotion, using the Internet (including social media), of medical products” that it regulates.  The bulk of the drafted guidelines still focuses on the POSTmarketing requirements that have long been in question with regard to social media and online advertising.  Continue reading

Beware of Trademark Scams

Many trademark applicants are getting official looking notices from scam artists. These notices make it appear that the notice is from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Unless carefully examined these notices can fool just about anyone.Continue reading

I have a trademark and a cybersquatter.

The domain name business remains rough-and-tumble. Little consideration goes into the niceties of paying attention to trademark rights. If you have a federally registered trademark and don’t already have a corresponding domain name, chances are the domain name has already been grabbed. Someone is probably cybersquatting on your domain name right now.  Continue reading

What is BIOZONA?

Biozona brand logo
Biozona is the brand identity for Arizona’s growing bioscience sector. The Biozona name, symbol, and tagline—”Advancing Science. Enhancing Life.”—promote Arizona as a place where science thrives for the benefit of all.

Why was the Biozona brand created?

Arizona has internationally competitive assets in the biosciences and, through its collaborative, statewide plan, Arizona is growing its bioscience base more quickly than perhaps any other state. Yet, the state previously lacked a prominent identity in the biosciences. This is essential to strengthen in-state education and awareness efforts, market to out-of-state audiences, and present the collaborative strengths of statewide institutions and programs.

Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap recommended in 2002 that the state needed to develop a creative identity for its bioscience sector. This recommendation has been repeated by numerous statewide bioscience leaders since then.

What is the philosophy behind the design?

  • Strategy: The Biozona logo projects a fresh, contemporary image that sets it apart from the more overworked and literal images (e.g., a DNA double helix) used by most states.
  • Name: Short and memorable, the name “Biozona” combines “Bioscience” and “Arizona” readily evoking the desired association.
  • Tagline: The tagline positions “Biozona” as a place where scientific innovation thrives for a greater purpose—to enhance the quality of life of Arizona’s citizens.
  • Symbol: The sunlight refracting over the state represents an enlightening, thriving area. The overlapping circular shapes suggest molecular structure and activity. The colors are consistent with sunlight and Southwest tones.

Who created Biozona?

Biozona is the result of a collaborative effort by a network of communications and marketing officials from more than 35 organizations integrally involved in the biosciences in Arizona. Efforts were coordinated with the Governor’s Council on Innovation and Technology to ensure cohesiveness with the council’s current plans for branding Arizona’s high-tech sector. Initial efforts to develop a bioscience identity were undertaken by a collaborative group, led by Governor’s office, in 2004.

How can the Biozona logo be used?

The developers of the logo encourage its use to represent collaborative efforts by statewide organizations involved in the biosciences. Examples: collateral material, PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets, Web sites, trade-show banners, promotional items, and advertisements. Individual institutions are encouraged to display the logo on presentation materials to illustrate their participation in a greater whole.

For more information:

The original content on this page was compiled and contributed by the Flinn Foundation