Amazon Pharmacy is now listed as a registered trademark in the EU, the Pharmacist can reveal.

The tech giant filed for the trademark on 9 January this year, and the application status was changed to ‘registered’ on the EU Intellectual Property Office’s website on 6 August.

Amazon has also filed for the trademark in the UK, but the status of the application is currently listed as ‘opposed’ on the UK Intellectual Property Office’s website.

The name was filed under 10 trademark classifications in the UK and the EU, including class 44, which covers 'pharmacy services; services relating to the dispensing of medications; information services relating to medications; information services relating to pharmaceuticals; providing information to patients in the field of administering medications; medical information; providing a website featuring medical information; providing information in the field of health care in connection with retail pharmacy transactions; health care services; and preparation of prescriptions in pharmacies'.

First Amazon Pharmacy in India

Today (14 August), Amazon launched its first online pharmacy in India – another of the countries it filed for a trademark in back in January.

Customers of the Amazon Pharmacy, which has been set up in the Indian city of Bangalore, will be able to order prescription-based medication, as well as over-the-counter medicines, basic health devices and Ayurvedic medication from certified sellers.

An Amazon India spokesperson told the Pharmacist that the launch of the online pharmacy is ‘particularly relevant in present times as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home’.

Back in January, US media outlet CNBC, reported that Amazon had also filed trademark applications in Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, and the UAE.

It followed the company’s acquisition of PillPack, a US online pharmacy business, back in 2018.

'Face-to-face interaction is crucial'

Sandra Gidley, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) ‘While we are seeing people buying their medicines online, I would urge the public to support their local pharmacy, particularly during this difficult period.

‘Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, community pharmacies have remained open, playing a vital role within the NHS and supporting patient care, whenever people need it.’

She added: ‘It is vital to emphasise the importance of face-to-face interaction between a pharmacist and a patient, which can often be crucial in making health interventions. As experts in medicines, pharmacists ensure that people are taking their medicines correctly and safely, which may be missed when using online services.’

In January, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) told the Pharmacist it remains to be seen whether an Amazon-style home delivery pharmacy model will work for pharmacies in the UK.