Madras HC: Pfizer Denied Document Access in Softgel Patent Dispute

Quick Summary: On November 25, 2025, the Madras High Court decided not to allow Pfizer Inc.'s request for documents from Softgel Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., due to issues with international rules and local patent laws.

Background of the Case

Pfizer Inc., a company from New York, has a patent for the drug TAFAMIDIS. They said that Cipla and Zenara Pharma, two Indian companies, were breaking this patent by trying to get approval for the drug in the U.S. before the patent ran out.

The International Request

On May 13, 2024, a U.S. court in Delaware officially asked for help from India to get evidence from Softgel Healthcare, the company making the drug.

Softgel's Argument

Softgel Healthcare, based in Tamil Nadu, said:

• They were not part of the U.S. court case.
• The request went against their rights under Indian law.
• The Indian Patent Office had already turned down Pfizer's patent application for a similar drug in India.

Court's Decision

The judges, Dr. Justice G. Jayachandran and Mr. Justice Mummineni Sudheer Kumar, decided:

• The request was too broad and unclear, not meeting the specific requirements of international agreements.
• India had chosen not to follow requests for evidence gathering before a trial under international law.
• Allowing the request could hurt India's independence and Softgel's business.

"The Letters Rogatory is vague, without any specificity as required under Article 3 of the Hague Convention."

Key Takeaways

• International Law: The court stressed that international requests need to match both international agreements and local laws.
• Patent Rights: The decision shields Indian companies from foreign legal demands, especially when local patent applications are in question.
• Sovereignty Concerns: The ruling shows the need to balance international cooperation with national legal independence.

This case is an important example of how international patent disputes can be tricky, involving different countries and legal systems. It shows the need for clear legal rules and respect for national laws in worldwide business activities.