Bayer Sues for Royalties on COVID-19 Vaccine Sales
Bayer AG has initiated federal lawsuits aimed at securing royalties from COVID-19 vaccine sales made by Johnson & Johnson, Moderna Inc., and collaborating companies Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE. Bayer claims that these vaccines violate a specific patent that was originally designed to assist genetically engineered crops in producing insect-resistant proteins.
The complaints recently filed by Bayer’s CropScience LP and its subsidiary Monsanto assert that the vaccines infringe on US Patent No. 7,741,118. Bayer argues that the methods utilized to enhance the stability of the mRNA and to boost protein expression in these vaccines fall under the scope of their patent.
The legal action was taken against Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen units in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both parties involved.
