Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand

Facts

Vifor Pharma claims ownership of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM), a novel iron complex used for therapy. Despite the patent expiration, Vifor highlights 12 years of success and global recognition for FCM, overcoming prior limitations in iron preparation.

Plaintiff's Contention

Vifor argues for the ongoing relevance and novelty of FCM. They challenge the court’s reliance on foreign precedents, dispute the product-by-process interpretation, and criticize the handling of novelty and inventiveness issues.

Defendant Contention

MSD and Dr. Reddy’s oppose interference and assert a product-by-process limitation. They challenge FCM’s novelty, question the relevance of International Nonproprietary Names (INN) allocation, and advocate for a focused infringement analysis.

Corona Remedies Contention

Corona Remedies emphasizes the novelty of using oxidized maltodextrin. They argue for limited protection and challenge the justification for a product-by-process patent.

Prior Interim Orders

Vifor challenges infringement orders, noting a factual error in the proceedings.

Judgement

Prima facie, there is likely infringement due to the similarity of marks and goods, but the defendant may be protected under Section 30(2)(a) for indicating product characteristics. Passing-off claim is rejected based on dissimilarities and price differences. Overall, the defendant may be entitled to Section 30(2)(a) protection, and no injunction is warranted at this stage. 

Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand

Facts

Vifor Pharma claims ownership of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM), a novel iron complex used for therapy. Despite the patent expiration, Vifor highlights 12 years of success and global recognition for FCM, overcoming prior limitations in iron preparation.

Plaintiff's Contention

Vifor argues for the ongoing relevance and novelty of FCM. They challenge the court’s reliance on foreign precedents, dispute the product-by-process interpretation, and criticize the handling of novelty and inventiveness issues.

Defendant Contention

MSD and Dr. Reddy’s oppose interference and assert a product-by-process limitation. They challenge FCM’s novelty, question the relevance of International Nonproprietary Names (INN) allocation, and advocate for a focused infringement analysis.

Corona Remedies Contention

Corona Remedies emphasizes the novelty of using oxidized maltodextrin. They argue for limited protection and challenge the justification for a product-by-process patent.

Prior Interim Orders

Vifor challenges infringement orders, noting a factual error in the proceedings.

Judgement

Prima facie, there is likely infringement due to the similarity of marks and goods, but the defendant may be protected under Section 30(2)(a) for indicating product characteristics. Passing-off claim is rejected based on dissimilarities and price differences. Overall, the defendant may be entitled to Section 30(2)(a) protection, and no injunction is warranted at this stage. 

Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand

Facts

Vifor Pharma claims ownership of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM), a novel iron complex used for therapy. Despite the patent expiration, Vifor highlights 12 years of success and global recognition for FCM, overcoming prior limitations in iron preparation.

Plaintiff's Contention

Vifor argues for the ongoing relevance and novelty of FCM. They challenge the court’s reliance on foreign precedents, dispute the product-by-process interpretation, and criticize the handling of novelty and inventiveness issues.

Defendant Contention

MSD and Dr. Reddy’s oppose interference and assert a product-by-process limitation. They challenge FCM’s novelty, question the relevance of International Nonproprietary Names (INN) allocation, and advocate for a focused infringement analysis.

Corona Remedies Contention

Corona Remedies emphasizes the novelty of using oxidized maltodextrin. They argue for limited protection and challenge the justification for a product-by-process patent.

Prior Interim Orders

Vifor challenges infringement orders, noting a factual error in the proceedings.

Judgement

Prima facie, there is likely infringement due to the similarity of marks and goods, but the defendant may be protected under Section 30(2)(a) for indicating product characteristics. Passing-off claim is rejected based on dissimilarities and price differences. Overall, the defendant may be entitled to Section 30(2)(a) protection, and no injunction is warranted at this stage.