Depomed, Inc., a leading specialty pharmaceutical company focused on enhancing the lives of the patients, families, physicians, providers and payors,  announced a favorable Markman claim construction ruling by Judge Claire Cecchi of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey has been issued in the ongoing patent infringement case against the three filers of Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) with Depomed prevailing on all disputed claims. These filers are seeking to market generic versions of Nucynta (tapentadol) and Nucynta ER (tapentadol) extended released tablets.

In a Markman ruling, also known as a Claim Construction Ruling, the court determines the meaning of disputed patent terms at issue in patent litigation.  Judge Cecchi construed all disputed patent terms as proposed by plaintiffs Depomed and its licensor Grünenthal GmbH.