In a crucial legal development, the Düsseldorf regional court has decided in favor of Moderna, supporting the company’s claim that its patent related to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has been infringed by BioNTech and Pfizer. Freshfields acted as legal representation for Moderna, while BioNTech was represented by Taylor Wessing and Pfizer was advised by the Munich IP-firm df-mp. The ruling mandates that BioNTech and Pfizer are required to pay “appropriate compensation and damages” to Moderna, although the precise figures for the damages have not been determined as of yet.
BioNTech has expressed its intention to challenge the ruling by filing an appeal with the European Patent Office’s Technical Board of Appeal. They remain firm in their position, asserting that the contested patent is invalid and are likely to address this aspect in their appeal. For more detailed information on this legal battle, visit the complete report.