FTC steps up campaign on junk patents with warning letters

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expanded its campaign against so-called ‘junk’ patents intended to extend market exclusivity and block generic rivals.

The financial regulator has sent warning letters to 10 manufacturers disputing more than 300 patent listings in its Orange Book covering 20 brands used for diabetes, weight loss, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).