research reports and media, page-351

Avemaria, It would appear that the patents held by Paradigm are utility payents and these are defined as follows;

A utility patent is the most common type of patent that people seek. This type of patent covers processes, compositions of matter, machines, and manufactures that are new and useful. A utility patent can also be obtained for new and useful improvements to existing processes, compositions of matter, machines, and manufactures. Processes refer to any acts or methods of doing something, usually involving industrial or technical processes. Compositions of matter are basically chemical compositions, which can include a mixture of ingredients or new chemical compounds.

It would appear that under this definition Paradigm would have partent protection. Of more importance will be that it would take a competitor significant time to develop the drug (if possible), seek FDA approval and market the drug. Of importance also will be partnering with a company large enough to defend the IP rights bestowed by the patents and also the exclusive supply arrangements with BenePharma.