Question

In August 2007, Chennai High Court passed a landmark judgment that may have far reaching consequences on pharmaceuticals industry, dismissing a writ petition filed by

• A. Ranbaxy
• B. Sandoz
• C. Novartis
• D. Glaxo

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In August 2007, the Chennai High Court made a significant ruling affecting the pharmaceutical industry. This judgment was concerning a writ petition that had been filed by Novartis. The court's decision dismissed the petition, which revolved around the patentability of the drug Glivec, a critical cancer medication. Novartis had challenged the rejection of its patent application by the Indian Patent Office, arguing that the drug constituted a new form of an existing medication. However, the Chennai High Court upheld the Indian Patent Office's decision, maintaining India's strict patent law which prohibits the patenting of new forms of known substances unless they result in enhanced efficacy.