Issue #70: World Domination?
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World Domination?
SK Bioscience just scored a huge win against Pfizer in South Korea’s Supreme Court, paving the way for… global domination?!
🍿 What Happened?
The dispute first began when Pfizer went after SK Bioscience for its SK’s patented 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (known as SKYPneumo), resulting in a settlement.
The second dispute arose when Pfizer sued SK Bioscience for allegedly infringing its patent and the terms of the earlier settlement by exporting PCV13 components and finished doses for research to a Russian drugmaker in 2018 and 2019.
After a 5-year battle, South Korea’s Supreme Court has held that SK Bioscience has NOT committed any patent infringement.
👀 What Now?
Despite the win, the results of a previous patent feud with Pfizer mean that SK Bioscience will have to wait until 2027 (when Pfizer’s patents expire) before it can start producing and selling its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Korea.
Not that this should matter too much because SK Bioscience now has its sights set on international domination, with plans to accelerate exports of SKYPneumo components to countries with high demand, including Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Looks like there’s no stopping SK Bioscience?!
Out of the Woods?
Kakao Mobility wins a major court battle - but it’s not out of the woods yet!
🍿 What Happened?
In February 2023, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) imposed a ₩27.1B ($19.6M) fine and corrective orders on Kakao Mobility.
The KFTC had accused Kakao of abusing its dominance by funnelling ride requests to affiliated “Kakao T Blue” taxis over unaffiliated ones, even when unaffiliated drivers were closer.
During oral hearings, the court seemed sceptical of the KFTC’s market definition and claims of anti-competitive harm.
The Seoul High Court subsequently sided with Kakao, revoking all penalties and ordering the KFTC to bear all litigation costs.
👀 What’s Next?
There is a possibility that KFTC will appeal to the Supreme Court, so… the algorithm wars might not be over just yet!
Lessons from 1988
At 1988: Reunion of the Advocates, members of the legal community gathered to hear firsthand accounts from the lawyers who defended five suspended Supreme Court judges during Malaysia’s 1988 judicial crisis. For some in the audience, it was the first time the events - often discussed in cautious whispers - came to life through the voices of those who lived it.
The advocates spoke of the conviction that brought them together, not for recognition or fees, but to uphold the rule of law. Some suffered long-term professional setbacks, from being dropped by government-linked clients to facing increased scrutiny - yet they stood firm, believing the independence of the judiciary was worth the cost.
Their stories raise a timely question: would the legal profession today respond with the same courage and solidarity?
The 1988 crisis may be history, but its warning remains - judicial independence is never guaranteed, and must always be defended.
Follow the link below to read the article in full.
*This article was contributed by Zack Lim of the Endeavour Advocacy Project, who attended the second panel of the “1988: Reunion of the Advocates” event.
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