Moderna wins patent dispute against Biontech and Pfizer – millions in claims threatened

Moderna wins patent lawsuit against Biontech and Pfizer – Düsseldorf court orders companies to pay compensation and damages.

Pharma •Eulerpool News•March 9, 2025

Moderna

25.79USD

+0,59 (+2,30 %)

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna achieved an important victory against Biontech and Pfizer in the Düsseldorf Regional Court. The court ruled that the two companies used technologies for their COVID-19 vaccines that are protected by Moderna patents.

The Patent Chamber required Biontech and Pfizer to disclose the extent of the patent's use as well as the profits achieved. In addition, they must pay Moderna "appropriate compensation" and are liable for damages. The amount of the claims is still unclear.

At the core of the dispute is mRNA technology, which was used for both Moderna's vaccine and the competing product Comirnaty from Biontech and Pfizer. According to Moderna, the company developed the patented processes as early as between 2010 and 2016.

Biontech and Pfizer did not deny using the patents, but argued that they were allowed to do so until May 5, 2023. Moderna publicly announced at the start of the pandemic in 2020 that it would not enforce patent rights to support global vaccine supply. Only with the end of the pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 5, 2023, did this permission cease.

The court did not follow this reasoning. It determined that Moderna had already revoked the permission to use it on March 7, 2022, which meant that Biontech and Pfizer had unlawfully relied on the patent.

The judgment is not yet final. An appeal to the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf is possible.

Both companies are among the pioneers of mRNA technology, which brought them billions in profits. The outcome of the legal dispute could have significant financial consequences and influence the dynamics in the market for innovative vaccines in the long term.

News

Business

Dax Between Crash Anxiety and Interest Rate Hope

The DAX has reacted turbulently: First, it falls below 23,500 points, drops to 23,000 – then a sudden jump back follows. The markets appear nervous, the CNN Fear and Greed Index is deep in the "extreme fear" range. This can often be the breeding ground for a recovery. A year-end rally remains possible – but the leeway is tight.

Before 17 hours

Pharma

What is really behind the new pandemic warning

The Pasteur Institute warns of a possible mutation of the avian flu virus – and speaks of a scenario that "could be worse than Corona." At the same time, international authorities are giving the all-clear. Between alarm and composure, the question arises: How real is the danger of a new pandemic?

Before 19 hours

Crypto

This data reveals the true extent of the crypto crash

Bitcoin is attempting a comeback, but it is far from its record high of nearly 126,000 dollars. Following a drop of about 30 percent, the cryptocurrency is now at around 91,400 dollars. Optimists see a normal correction in the bull market, while skeptics warn of the next threshold for a downturn. The five most important data signals reveal how deep the crisis truly extends.

Before 21 hours

Technology

Alibaba takes off with AI glasses – Company calls it a "revolution in human-machine interaction

Alibaba is pushing into one of the most exciting technology markets of the AI era. With the new "Quark AI Glasses," the Chinese corporation introduces its first own AI glasses - and announces nothing less than a revolution. The competitive pressure is immense, but Alibaba's ecosystem provides the company with a crucial starting advantage.

Before 22 hours

Business

Intel: Is Apple Really Coming Back?

Today, Intel's stock is among the top gainers on Wall Street. The trigger: new market speculation that Apple could increasingly integrate the chip giant back into its supply chain. For Intel, this would be a potential breakthrough after years of catching up.

Before 23 hours