On March 25, 2026, the Delhi High Court directed Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to maintain status quo regarding  the sale and market expansion of its anti-diabetic drug “Olymviq’’.This was because the Court found that the name sounds very similar to Novo Nordisk’s well-known drug “Ozempic.”

 Justice Jyoti Singh before whom the matter came up said:  

“Speaking for myself, I have to strain myself… to find the difference. Structurally, visually, and phonetically.” 

Strict Rule in Pharma Cases:

The Court also made it clear  that in cases involving medicine trademarks, the standard for avoiding confusion is much stricter. It added that “physicians are not immune from confusion or mistakes.”

 Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational, argued that “Ozempic” is a “coined and fanciful mark”  that it has used since 2014. It is   registered in more than 100 countries and has generated $63 billion in global sales over  the last five years. Its  lawyers argued  that the similarity between “Ozempic” and “Olymviq” could confuse  both  patients and doctors, especially because  diabetes medicines  are very important.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories argued that its brand name is different enough and that its company name on the product would prevent any confusion.

Court Rejects Defence:

However, the Court did not agree. Justice Jyoti Singh said: “According to me, there is a phonetic similarity… And in a pharma, it’s a threshold which I would not like to pass.”

The judge then ordered that “whatever is where will freeze as of now. As is, where is, basis”, which means all sales and expansion under the name “Olymviq” must stop for now, until the next hearing.

Court Suggests Alternative:

The Court also suggested a practical solution. It noted  that Dr. Reddy’s already markets semaglutide under another  name “Obeda”:  Justice Singh said, “I would rather that you go up this path. It’s a little change of a name here and there. Both of you live peacefully.”

The  Court made it clear that it takes pharmaceutical trademarks very seriously. It said that even small similarities in how names sound can confuse patients.

Key Takeaway:

By ordering status quo and pointing out how close “Ozempic” and “Olymviq” sound, the case shows that courts closely examine drug names. Even small phonetic similarities can lead to restrictions or orders. As Justice Singh said, “In pharma, it’s a threshold which I would not like to pass.”

The matter is  listed for further  hearing on 27.03.2026

Case Details:  Novo Nordisk A/S & Anr. v. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited CS(COMM) - 317/2026