After a gap of almost two weeks, the Madras High Court today resumed hearing arguments in the Novartis case in which the global pharma major had challenged the orders of the Patent Controller invalidating the patent claim on Novartis' blockbuster anti-cancer drug Glivec (imatinib mesvlate).

For the Novartis, noted lawyers Soli Sorabjee and Shanti Bhushan argued the case today before the Madras High Court. In the day-long argument, they argued before the court that the section 3 (d) is insignificant and weak. However, the arguments remained inconclusive and will continue tomorrow. After the arguments of both Shanti Bhushan and Soli Sorbjee are over, the court will hear the arguments of the other side.

Earlier on February 22, the Madras High Court had ordered that it had converted the writ petition of the Novartis into an appeal, on the condition that no new grounds are added in the converted appeal.

For the CPAA and the generic Indian companies, lawyers Anand Grover, Bharat Raman and Lakshmikumaran will be present in the court tomorrow to argue against the Novartis claims on patent.