Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : Ligand (LGND) Breakout! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Skeeter Bug who wrote (27089)	12/31/1998 8:52:00 AM
From: Henry Niman	Respond to of 32384

I don't know of any patent suit. I believe that LGND has asked the pto for an interference ruling on the two sets of claims regarding Panretin.

To: Skeeter Bug who wrote (27089)	12/31/1998 9:17:00 AM
From: Henry Niman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 32384

LGND's most recent SEC filing seems to confirm my understanding of the request for an interference ruling: "We have learned that Hoffman LaRoche, Inc. has received a United States patent and has made patent filings in foreign countries that relate to our Panretin capsules and gel products. We filed a patent application with an earlier filing date than Hoffman LaRoche's patent, which we believe is broader than, but overlaps in part with, Hoffman LaRoche's patent. We currently are investigating the scope and validity of Hoffman LaRoche's patent to determine its impact upon our products. The Patent and Trademark Office has informed us that the overlapping claims are patentable to us and has initiated a proceeding to determine whether we or Hoffman LaRoche are entitled to a patent." To summarize, LGND (probably through AGN) and Roche have filed claims for Panretin which have resulted in issued US patents. In some instances, the claims overlap. The PTO told LGND that the overlapping claims are patentable to LGND, but they have not received a formal ruling, which LGND has requested. The filing and publication dates would appear to favor LGND and I would be surprised to see a patent suit initiated by Roche against LGND for Panretin claims.