Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) recently announced that the Austrian Patent Office has ruled that a claim in the company's basic patent covering the use of atorvastatin, (Lipitor’s active ingredient) would be infringed by generic manufacturer Ranbaxy (BOM: 500359, PINK: RBXLF).
Though Ranbaxy can file an appeal against the said ruling, the patent will remain in effect during the appeals process.
In Austria, Lipitor is sold under the brand name Sortis.
The said will enable Pfizer to take further legal action to prevent Ranbaxy from launching a competitor product before the expiration of Lipitor's basic patent on November 7, 2011.
Source: Pfizer
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