The decision means Ranbaxy cannot launch its generic version in Australia till 2012. However, it can appeal the decision in a higher court, analysts said.
The Federal court had ruled that one of Pfizer's patents was invalid for inutility, false suggestion and misrepresentation in obtaining the grant of Australian patent 628198. The court had, however, found that Ranbaxy's atorvastatin product infringed another Pfizer patent.
Jay Deshmukh, Ranbaxy's Senior Vice President - Global Intellectual Property, noted, "We are pleased with this decision as it stands, as it advances the entry of Ranbaxy's generic atorvastatin in Australia to May 18, 2012."
Ranbaxy is fighting various Lipitor patent case with Pfizer in about 18 geographies.