Court upholds legal ruling on AstraZeneca 'Crestor' patent
On Friday December 14th, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit announced that it had upheld the District Court in Delaware's finding that biopharmaceutical business AstraZeneca's substance patent protecting Crestor is valid and enforceable.
On Friday December 14th, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit announced that it had upheld the District Court in Delaware's finding that biopharmaceutical business AstraZeneca's substance patent protecting Crestor is valid and enforceable.
The ruling follows legal wranglings dating back five years. In 2007, nine generic drug manufacturers filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with Paragraph IV certifications of non-infringement, invalidity, or unenforceability with respect to the Crestor '314 substance patent.
AstraZeneca and Shionogi, the owner of the '314 patent, filed patent infringement suits against eight manufacturers who had challenged the '314 substance patent. The suits were consolidated by order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and tried in the U.S. District Court, District of Delaware.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
In June 2010, the US District Court for the District of Delaware found the '314 patent valid and enforceable and infringed by the eight generic defendants.
Following last week's decision, the defendants may seek a rehearing and/or review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
AstraZeneca's share price was down 0.05% to 2,922.50p at 11:45 on Monday morning.
MF
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Inheritance tax bills exceed £500,000 for almost 10% of estates
Thousands of estates have had to pay a six figure inheritance tax bill – and the issue looks set to worsen.
-
Can gold protect you against inflation?
Inflation is on the rise in the UK. Could investing in gold protect your portfolio against rising prices?