UK Court Issues Mixed Ruling in Pfizer v. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Patent Case
London, July 2, 2024 — In a closely watched legal battle, London’s High Court delivered a mixed ruling in the patent dispute between pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Moderna over mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines.
Court Ruling:
The court found one of Moderna’s two patents on mRNA technology to be invalid but upheld another similar patent, determining that Pfizer and BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine had infringed on it. This ruling marks a significant point in the ongoing global legal battle between the companies, which also includes cases in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Ireland, and the European Patent Office.
Background:
In September 2022, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech filed a lawsuit at London’s High Court seeking to revoke two of Moderna’s patents. Moderna responded with a countersuit, alleging patent infringement by Pfizer and BioNTech.
Reactions from the Companies:
Pfizer and BioNTech: The companies expressed mixed feelings about the ruling. While they were pleased with the invalidation of one Moderna patent, they disagreed with the court’s decision upholding the second patent and intend to seek permission to appeal. In a joint statement, they emphasized that the ruling does not impact the safety and efficacy of their vaccine, which remains approved by regulators worldwide. They reassured that their production and supply commitments would continue as planned.
Moderna: A spokesperson for Moderna welcomed the court’s recognition of their innovation and validation of one of their patents. However, they expressed disagreement with certain aspects of the decision and indicated that they might consider appealing those points.
Global Implications:
This ruling is part of a broader, high-stakes legal saga playing out internationally, reflecting the intense competition and high value of mRNA vaccine technology. The outcome of these disputes could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and future innovations in vaccine development.
For more insights on intellectual property and COVID-19 vaccines, read our detailed explanation here.
Reported by Reuters, London