A recent trademark dispute between Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Novo Nordisk has led to significant changes in branding strategy, impacting the rapidly growing semaglutide drug market in India.
Following the Delhi High Court’s recording of the company’s commitment to stop using the name in a trademark dispute with Novo Nordisk, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will have 30 days to liquidate any remaining stock of its semaglutide medication branded “Olymviq” before abandoning the name.
Trademark Dispute and Court Decision
In the rapidly expanding market for semaglutide-based diabetic and weight-loss therapies, the reprieve enables the company to clear inventory while switching to a new brand, “OLYMRA.”
The court stated in a written order dated March 27, which Mint reviewed, that Dr. Reddy’s will stop using the mark in any way, including manufacturing, selling, supplying, distributing, promoting, advertising, and any commercial use, both online and offline, while being allowed to use up all of its current inventory within 30 days.
Inventory Clearance and Legal Undertaking
It is necessary to file the undertaking affidavit. Nonetheless, within 30 days, the defendant may be allowed to use up all of the products’ current inventory, including any that have already been created and billed; the specifics of this have been given to the plaintiffs’ attorneys and presented in court, according to the decision.
Along with dropping its pending trademark applications for “Olymviq” from the Trade Marks Registry, Dr. Reddy’s has also agreed to modify the contested trademark “Olymviq” to “OLYMRA” and will file an affidavit of undertaking to that effect. Until the time of publication, emails submitted to Novo Nordisk and Dr. Reddy’s earlier today went unanswered.
⚖️ Trademark Dispute Key Highlights
- Company: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Dispute With: Novo Nordisk
- Drug Name: Olymviq
- New Brand: OLYMRA
- Court Order: Stop usage of old trademark
- Time Given: 30 days to clear inventory
Legal Battle Over Brand Similarity
The development comes after a hearing in a trademark infringement complaint brought by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which claimed that the names are confusingly similar and that “Olymviq” violates its well-known trademark “Ozempic.” Novo had asked for instructions on how to destroy or repackage the inventory that Dr. Reddy’s had produced in February.
However, as Mint reported on March 27, the court was hesitant to order destruction, citing the product’s use by diabetes patients and the fact that doing so would not serve the public interest. It also voiced concerns about relabeling, raising doubts about the products’ potential for economic success.
💊 Semaglutide Market Insights
- Drug Type: Diabetes & weight-loss therapy
- Key Brands: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
- Patent Status: Expired in India (March 20)
- Market Trend: Surge in generic competition
- Competition Factor: Branding & pricing
- Demand Driver: Rising diabetes & obesity cases
Semaglutide Market Competition Intensifies
Semaglutide, a medication used to treat type-2 diabetes and control weight that Novo Nordisk markets internationally under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is at the center of the controversy. On March 20, the drug’s patent protection was lost in India, which led to an explosion of generic versions from businesses like Dr. Reddy’s.
Given that every brand’s molecule is identical, a number of pharmaceutical companies are trying to get an advantage in the cutthroat market for weight-loss generics, where patient desire and pricing are the main differentiators.
Doctor’s Perspective on Generic Drugs
A senior diabetologist stated, “Patients often do not recognize the difference between generics and innovator drugs…they know the popular brand names and ultimately rely on doctors or pharmacists.” The diabetologist wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Dr. Reddy’s initial application for “Olymviq” in July 2025 was rejected, according to a study of applications on the trademark registration; subsequent applications submitted on March 10 and March 23 passed preliminary checks and were pending evaluation. On December 8, 2025, the firm submitted a trademark application for the planned new brand name “Olymra.”
Future Branding Strategy and Market Impact
How Dr. Reddy intends to set “Olymviq” apart from its other semaglutide brand, Obeda, which was introduced on March 21 and is recommended for type-2 diabetes, is unknown. Although “Olymviq” was not formally introduced, the physicians Mint spoke with attested to being informed about it.
According to Novo Nordisk, permitting similar names in the same therapeutic segment would weaken its brand and increase confusion because “Ozempic” is a well-known trademark with over $63 billion in global sales over the last five years.
Since May 2025, the company and Novo Nordisk have been involved in a different legal battle over suspected semaglutide patent infringement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers are advised to consult professionals for specific guidance.
