Novo Nordisk Sues Dr. Reddy's Over Alleged Trademark Infringement of Ozempic

Novo Nordisk vs. Dr. Reddy's: Trademark Dispute Over Semaglutide

Background Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's flagship brand Ozempic, went off-patent in India on 20 March 2023, allowing cheaper copies to flood the market. Novo Nordisk has moved to defend its brand, filing a lawsuit against Dr. Reddy's Laboratories over the latter's planned generic version, Olymviq.

Dispute Novo Nordisk has approached the Delhi High Court to block Dr. Reddy's from launching Olymviq, arguing that the name is phonetically and structurally similar to Ozempic and risks confusing patients and prescribers. The court has directed Dr. Reddy's to halt the rollout of the brand, including manufacture, sales to distributors, and final sales, until the case is heard on Friday.

Market Impact The dispute comes amid a generic rush, with over 50 generic versions of semaglutide expected to launch this year. Novo Nordisk has already launched its drug locally as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The company has recorded ₹22 crore in sales in India since its launch in December 2025, with ₹15 crore spent on promotion.

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Trademark Protection Novo Nordisk is banking on brand recall and its reach with doctors to retain market share. The company has argued that trademark protection is critical in pharmaceuticals, citing a 2022 dispute between Sun Pharma and Glenmark over the brands Instamet and Indamet.

Dr. Reddy's Response Dr. Reddy's has responded that semaglutide is not an impulse purchase but a specialized, prescription-based treatment under medical supervision, reducing the likelihood of confusion. The company has also filed for registration of the name "Olymviq" on 25 July 2025 and again on 23 March 2026.

Patent Expiry The patent expiry of semaglutide has opened the door for cheaper versions from Indian drugmakers, including Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Glenmark, Natco, and Alkem, priced 50-90% below the innovator brands. Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy are sold in pen devices and priced at ₹8,800 and ₹10,850 per month, respectively, for starting doses.