Goodwin Secures Two Appellate Victories in High-Stakes Life Sciences Disputes

Goodwin’s Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation team secured appellate victories for two life sciences clients within days of each other, prevailing in significant disputes involving pharmaceutical patent settlements and royalty agreements. The firm obtained a Seventh Circuit victory for Teva Pharmaceuticals (“Teva”), which revived Teva’s breach of contract claims against Eli Lilly arising from the parties’ Forteo licensing agreement and a dispute valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Goodwin also secured a Second Circuit victory for Alkermes, preserving an arbitration award that limited Acorda Therapeutics’ recovery in a royalty dispute involving the multiple sclerosis drug Ampyra by more than $65 million. Together, the appeals addressed significant questions concerning the intersection of patent law, contractual rights, regulatory exclusivities, and appellate jurisdiction.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is transforming into a leading innovative biopharmaceutical company, enabled by a world-class generics business. For over 120 years, Teva’s commitment to bettering health has never wavered. From innovating in the fields of neuroscience and immunology to providing complex generic medicines, biosimilars, and pharmacy brands worldwide, Teva is dedicated to addressing patients’ needs, now and in the future.

Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS), a mid-cap growth and value equity, is a global biopharmaceutical company that seeks to develop innovative medicines in the field of neuroscience.

The Goodwin team for Teva on appeal was led by Brian Burgess and Chris Holding, and included Alicia-Rubio Spring, Jesse Lempel, and Katharine Foote.

The Goodwin team for Alkermes on appeal was led by Brian Burgess and Chris Holding and also included Jordan Bock. The Goodwin arbitration team also included Louis Lobel and Jenna Welsh.