Power Alley: Merck v. Merck Global Lanham Act Trial Nears, In Federal Court In New Jersey -- Final Pre-Trial Conference Next Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

We have followed this for going on 15 years now. And the able judge has indicated there will be no more extensions of the calendar. For nearly ten years the parties have explored settlement, but no final agreement has appeared.

So, the courts will move forward to use the pressure of a multi-billion dollar stake, at trial -- to help both sides get "reasonable". We shall see -- but we do know that the first open two weeks or so, on the busy Newark federal court's calendar is in early 2025. But we also know that as a matter of press access, the court has confirmed that this pre-trial order will be on the public docket, once finalized (as we earlier reported). Here is the latest:

. . .TEXT ORDER: There will be a Telephone Conference on 3/5/2024 at 11:00 a.m. before the Undersigned.

The parties will dial 1-888-XXX-XXXX and access code XXXXXXX# to join the conference. On or before 5/10/2024, counsel shall submit a revised proposed final pretrial order.

So Ordered by Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer on 2/29/2024. . . .

Onward. . . every thousand mile journey begins. . . with a first, halting. . . step. Grin.

नमस्ते