KRKA, d. d., Novo mesto

Temporary injunction relating to alleged infringement of clopidogrel patent in Serbia

On 10 October 2007, Krka Farma d. o. o., Novi Sad received the decision on temporary injunction issued by the Commercial Court in Novi Sad.

The Commercial Court in Novi Sad granted the temporary injunction on request of the plaintiff, Sanofi Aventis, 174, Av. de France, Paris, and (again) banned the import and sale of product containing the clopidogrel active pharmaceutical ingredient in hydrogen sulphate salt form (product Zyllt), which is manufactured and marketed by Krka Group in Serbia. The injunction remains in force until the final resolution of the main proceedings relating to the alleged patent infringement initiated by the plaintiff, however not longer until 5 February 2008, when the relevant plaintiff's patent in Serbia expires.

Krka has filled an appeal against the decision. Krka believes that the relevant plaintiff's patent in Serbia does not cover the clopidogrel active pharmaceutical ingredient in hydrogen sulphate salt form per se. Krka continues to use all legal means at its disposal to prove this fact or, respectively, the fact that the patent protection of this substance in Serbia was granted contrary to the provisions of the patent law in force at that time.

Krka has informed the public about this dispute by public releases on 6 June 2006, 5 July 2006, 2 November 2006, 23 November 2006, 12 December 2007 and 5 April 2007.

Date: 12. 10. 2007