Novartis Successfully Defends Vildagliptin Patent Against Infringement in Vietnam

Novartis global healthcare company has recently won a legal battle to defend its patent for Vildagliptin, an active ingredient used for type 2 diabetes treatment, in Vietnam. This legal victory reaffirms Novartis' efforts  in intellectual property rights protection, which fosters a healthy competitive environment and motivates pharmaceutical companies to continue developing new drugs for the benefit of patients and addressing challenging medical issues.

Established legally in Vietnam in 2008, Novartis has become a trusted partner of the Vietnamese government in supporting the domestic healthcare system through long-term and comprehensive cooperation programs in various aspects. Novartis Vietnam currently focuses on key therapeutic areas including Cardiovascular, Immunology, Oncology and Gene therapy.

In early 2015, Novartis, the owner of the patent for Vildagliptin, discovered a company in Binh Duong province producing a drug which infringed on its Vildagliptin patent. After nearly eight years of litigation, in October 2023, Novartis was granted a victory by the High People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City, successfully securing its patent for Vildagliptin in the Vietnamese market. The defendant was required to publicly apologize and compensate for the infringement. (Judgement No. 110/2023/KDTM-PT dated October 17, 2023 on Disputes over intellectual property rights).

The judgment has set an important precedent for pharmaceutical patent protection through legal proceedings in Vietnam, helping similar cases to be resolved fairly and transparently. Moreover, this also reinforces investors' confidence in the improving business environment and encourages them to invest in research and innovation activities in Vietnam.

"Protecting intellectual property rights is a crucial condition for companies to confidently invest in product research and development," said Ms. Karina Ng, Country President of Novartis Vietnam. “The Vietnamese court has made a fair ruling protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Novartis, and we expect relevant parties to comply with this judgment. This will enhance investors' confidence in the improving business environment to bring more value to Vietnam, especially to address challenging medical issues.”

Over the past year, with the enactment of the amended Law on Intellectual Property, Vietnam's intellectual property legal system has met practical requirements as well as commitments in new-generation Free Trade Agreements like EVFTA and CPTPP.  

"We highly appreciate continuous efforts of the Vietnamese government in strengthening intellectual property rights protection," emphasized Mr. Le Xuan Loc, a representative of T&G Law firm LLC and Tilleke & Gibbins. "A fair and transparent intellectual property law will establish a healthy business environment, thereby encouraging businesses to invest in innovative activities and promote creativity for the benefit of community.”

Along with the government, businesses also play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable business environment. With long-term commitments to development and investment in Vietnam, Novartis consistently conducts ethical and responsible business activities, maintaining its efforts to create breakthroughs for community health.

B.H (Vietnam Business Forum)