Parallel distribution of pharmaceuticals refers to the trade of medicines that are centrally authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is to be distinguished from the older and much better-known parallel import, which describes the trade of nationally authorized medicines. Although the number of centrally authorized medicines in the European Union is steadily increasing and parallel distribution has long surpassed parallel import in terms of revenue, it has so far played only a minor role in the literature. For this reason, Thomas-Johannes Jochheim takes a closer look at parallel distribution. By addressing brand and pharmaceutical law issues, he explores whether parallel distribution should be understood merely as a synonym for parallel import or if there is a genuine difference between the two forms of trade.