Moderna Prevails in Patent Dispute Against Biontech

In a significant legal victory, the Düsseldorf District Court has ruled in favor of Moderna, affirming that Biontech and Pfizer infringed upon Moderna's mRNA patent rights. The court mandated that Biontech must disclose details regarding the extent of their usage, pricing, and profits derived from the patented technology. Furthermore, Moderna is entitled to seek compensation for this infringement. While the ruling marks a crucial step for Moderna, it is important to note that the decision is not final; Biontech and Pfizer have the option to appeal to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court.

The legal contention centers around allegations that Biontech and Pfizer utilized Moderna's patented technologies, which were developed between 2010 and 2016, without proper authorization. Biontech and Pfizer have countered these claims, arguing that they had received permission from Moderna to use the technology in 2020, a permission they assert was valid until the World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Despite their defenses, the court's ruling emphasizes the importance of patent protection in the rapidly evolving field of mRNA technology. This case not only highlights the fierce competition among biotechnology firms but also raises questions about intellectual property rights in the context of public health crises.