– REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND ACHIEVING GLOBAL MARKET SUCCESS FOR COSMETIC PRODUCTS

PROPERTY AND ACHIEVING GLOBAL MARKET
SUCCESS FOR COSMETIC PRODUCTS

Co-Editors’ Introduction

Co-Editors

Ruud Overbeek and Meyer R. Rosen

Part 2 of this book is unique since it covers the essential “nontechnical” information needed for achieving product success in a global environment. We have stepped out of the “normal” mode of presenting the technological aspects one might first expect, and thoughtfully placed this information here in recognition and emphasis that the technical aspects of ingredients are, of course, not the only areas of importance to achieving the goal of a successful product.

Once you have a stable product that works, looks good, and goes on well (all of which is covered later in this book), it is imperative that cosmetic and personal care professionals be aware of the rapidly changing world of regulations as well as making sure their technology is appropriately covered by patents.

We recognize that the regulatory environment is ever-changing and, after an overview of this area, we first cover thoughts on how to survive and thrive in this turmoil. We then turn to looking at what it currently takes to successfully market one’s products in the different geographical areas. Finally, we cover the essentials of global patenting in general and then by geographical area.

GLOBAL REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS’THE NEED TO KNOW

For centuries, humankind has utilized cosmetics to enhance or alter physical appearance, negotiate conceptions of femininity or masculinity, combat external manifestations of aging, and assert social status. This pursuit of beauty is a virtually timeless and universally enduring endeavor. the CTFA President’s Message in the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) 2005 Annual Report noted the wide reach of the industry and its potential for expansion. “In an era of globalization,” the president stated, “we are truly one of the world’s most global industries. Our products and our innovation know no boundaries. Whether it’s Bangkok or Beijing, Baton Rouge or Baghdad, the products that we make are the products that women and families use every single day.”

In addition to the global expansion regarding cosmetics for women, the men’s cosmetic market is also growing exponentially. Beyond product efficacy, the highest priority for personal care products and cosmetics companies is the safety and health of consumers who use their products. To be able to support health, safety, and global expansion goals, the industry has a constant need and duty to inform itself of existing regulations, by geographical area. Further, it must cope with the seemingly endless evolution of newly developed and emerging changes in global regulatory developments.

Separately, in order to have a chance of success in each global market area, as well as each product category, the industry—ranging from ingredient developers, new product manufacturers, and claim writers—has an unavoidable need to understand the drivers for local and global regulation in order to be able not only to address, but also contribute to and impact the development of regulations. This challenge is a key step towards global alignment and regulatory harmonization.

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