Generic medicines are drugs marketed without a brand name. A generic medicine is marketed in accordance with patent law after the patent of the original product expires. It contains the same active substance as the original brand name medicinal product and is identified either by its own brand name (branded generic) or by its internationally approved proprietary scientific (generic) name.

See also:
International nonproprietary name (INN)
Generic Name
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)