The Novartis Saga: a timeline

Novartis had sought to overturn a clause in Indian Patents Law that restricts patent protection for newer forms of existing molecules. The case started in 1997 when Novartis filed a plea for a patent for Glivec.

Following is the timeline of the patent case in India.

1997 : Novartis files a patent application in India for its drug Gilvec

2005 : India introduces the Indian Patent Act preventing frivolous patents.

Jan 2006 : The Patent Controller in Chennai denies Novartis a patent

May 2006 : Novartis challenges the Indian government and four other companies in the Madras High Court

Aug 2007 : The Madras High Court rules against Novartis’ case

June 2009 : The Intellectual Property Appellate Board rejects a fresh appeal

August 2009 : Novartis approaches the Supreme Court of India

April 1, 2013 : Supreme Court rejects Novartis’ plea for patent