The pharmaceutical and life science industries are characterized by fierce competition, and by extensive and rapid regulatory developments. In addition to patent protection and enforcement as referred to above, companies in these industries face a number of common legal issues.These include the registration of medicines and medical devices in a national, European or other context, parallel imports, counterfeiting, licensing, Good Clinical Practice, and reimbursement and pricing matters.
The attorneys at Vondst have years of litigation and advisory experience with regard to all of these issues. What is more, Vondst’s attorneys have unique expertise in evaluating advertising campaigns for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, advising on issues such as comparative and other claims made in advertisements, detail-aids, websites, and the organisation of promotional and scientific conferences. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the self-regulation imposed through the Foundation for the Medicines Advertising Code (CGR), and are experienced in handling complaint procedures with the CGR.
The pharmaceuticals & life sciences practice of Vondst is recommended in international guides such as Chambers, LEGAL500, Managing Intellectual Property and IAM. The IAM Patent 1000 says:
“Toward the end of last year, IP and life sciences specialist Vondst Advocaten celebrated a decade of fighting important battles in Dutch intellectual property. Champion to a brigade of drug manufacturers, the firm is active at the highest levels, exerting its impressive influence in the Supreme Court to argue key questions over second medical use patents. At the root of its offering – and the reason why so many high-profile disciples flock to it – is its meticulous approach: time is taken to understand the technical issues at stake and to develop invulnerable, business-oriented strategies that hold up in court. “Its advice is commercial and always aligned to the client’s needs rather than focusing on the law and process.” Realising this vision over the last 10 years, founding partner Otto Swens garners acclaim from leading peers at home and abroad: “Otto does an incredible job in a number of big cases. He’s well prepared and steady, easy to work with and always prompt and professional in responding to issues, even with very tight deadlines.” Combining his life sciences nous with a deep grasp on regulatory matters, he stands out as an ally to the generic sector, battling on behalf of Teva in its second medical use clash against Merck Sharp and Dohme relating to a hepatitis C treatment. Partner Ricardo Dijkstra pioneers many of the group’s contentious expeditions. He has masterminded defence strategies for Sandoz and challenged the patents of Hoffman La Roche at the EPO. He is equally skilled in contractual negotiations, providing advice and counsel on the worldwide patent portfolio of Modern Dental before its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, as well as to the University Medical Centre on patent matters. New hire Arvid Van Oorschot is “an excellent catch for Vondst”; the entrance of the former Brinkhof rising star is described as “a considerable re-enforcement” of an already redoubtable line-up.”
