Merck v. Integra LifeSciences Decision Boon to Big Pharma

"While the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion did not extend the statutory research use exemption to patented research tools under 35 U.S.C. ss.271 (e)(1) in Merck KGaA v. Integra LifeSciences I, Ltd . (2005 WL 1386324 (U.S.)), the Court unanimously ruled for a broader interpretation of the exemption from patent infringement for use of a patented invention 'solely for uses reasonably related to the development and submission of information under a Federal law which regulates the manufacture, use, or sale of drugs.' The Court specifically noted that patented 'research tools' were not part of that interpretation."

Read more in this Patent Baristas post.