Press Release
New York, April 1, 2009 – The intellectual property law firm Kenyon & Kenyon LLP has obtained a favorable ruling for Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“WPI”) in a patent infringement case brought by ALZA Corporation and McNeil-PPC over a generic version of Concerta®, which treats Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”).
The United States District Court for the District of Delaware on March 30 ruled that Watson’s generic version of Concerta® (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets) does not infringe United States Patent No. 6,919,373 (the '373 Patent) and that the '373 Patent is invalid. The opinion was issued by Judge Joseph Farnan, Jr., and applies to Watson's generic versions of Concerta® in the 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg and 54 mg strengths.
Kenyon & Kenyon partner John Bateman, lead trial counsel for California-based WPI, said he was glad Judge Farnan agreed with Watson’s arguments, adding that “decisions like this only help the consumer to have more choices when purchasing critical medications.”
Aside from Bateman, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – including its Florida-based subsidiaries Andrx Pharmaceuticals, LLC and Andrx Corporation – were represented at trial by Kenyon & Kenyon LLP partner Robert Vroom.
About Kenyon & Kenyon LLP
Kenyon & Kenyon is consistently ranked by peers and in-house counsel as one of the top firms for intellectual property law. Since its founding in 1879, the firm has provided its worldwide clientele with litigation, prosecution, licensing and counseling services. Large and small enterprises and individuals choose Kenyon to design and implement intellectual property strategies when it matters most. The firm has offices in New York, Washington, DC and the Silicon Valley.
About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, CA, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes generic and specialty brand pharmaceutical products. Watson pursues a growth strategy combining internal product development, strategic alliances and collaborations and synergistic acquisitions of products and businesses.