AstraZeneca Wins Patent Case, Invalidating Pfizer's $1.075 Billion Award

Delaware Federal Judge Rules in Favor of AstraZeneca

A Delaware federal judge has ruled in favor of AstraZeneca, overturning a $1.075 billion jury verdict awarded to Pfizer in a three-year-old patent infringement case.

Background of the Case

The case stemmed from allegations that AstraZeneca's lung cancer drug Tagrisso infringed two of Pfizer's patents. AstraZeneca argued that the patents were invalid, and a jury agreed in May, awarding Pfizer no damages.

Pfizer appealed the verdict, but the federal judge upheld the jury's decision, ruling that Pfizer's patents were indeed invalid. This victory for AstraZeneca erases the hefty award Pfizer had been seeking.

Implications for AstraZeneca and Pfizer

The ruling is a major victory for AstraZeneca, which has been battling Pfizer over the Tagrisso patents for years. The company can now continue to market and sell Tagrisso without the threat of paying Pfizer damages.

For Pfizer, the ruling is a setback in its efforts to protect its intellectual property. The company may now consider appealing the decision to a higher court.

AstraZeneca's Argument: Patent Invalidity

AstraZeneca's successful argument focused on the invalidity of Pfizer's patents. The company claimed that the patents were obvious and lacked novelty.

The judge agreed with AstraZeneca's arguments, ruling that the patents did not meet the necessary criteria for validity.

Pfizer's Appeal: Denying Patent Invalidity

Pfizer appealed the jury's verdict, arguing that the patents were valid and that AstraZeneca had infringed them. However, the federal judge rejected Pfizer's arguments, upholding the jury's decision.