A government official has said that China will deal with Pfizer’s lawsuit concerning Viagra's patent.

Tian Lipu, Commissioner of China's State Intellectual Property Office, said that the Beijing Municipal First Intermediate People's Court has accepted the Pfizer Pharmaceutical's petition.

The case is still in judicial procedures and government officials are confident that Chinese judicial authorities will handle the case in line with laws. Tian made the remarks during an on-line interview held by the central government's website in reply to a netizen's question on the issue. The patent for Viagra was revoked in China in July, 2004.

Pfizer launched its suit two months after its patent was revoked.

Viagra is a pill used to treat erectile dysfunction and has become one of the most popular prescribed drugs in the world.

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