Merck's International Litigation Strategy

An article in the New York Times entitled "Trial Puts Spotlight on Merck" describes Merck's continuing litigation internationally, with a focus on a Vioxx trial currently under way in Australia.  This trial is receiving substantial media coverage in Australia, according to the Times, most of it negative publicity for Merck.  Why continue this litigation strategy even after settling in the US for nearly $5 billion?  The Times reports:

The point of trying the case is to stand behind the company’s conviction that it acted responsibly in developing, marketing, and ultimately withdrawing Vioxx, Bruce N. Kuhlik, Merck’s general counsel, said in an interview this week.

The article notes that plaintiffs lawyers from other countries (Canada in particular) are watching the trial and obtaining information they otherwise lacked.

ADL