Pfizer Decries Phony ‘Generic Viagra’

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CN) - A huckster is selling phony "generic Viagra" through radio and print ads, and manufacturing the bogus pills to look like the real thing, blue diamond-shaped pills, Pfizer claims in Federal Court. It seeks punitive damages from Henry Rudy and his company, Save on Drugs.

Rudy, of Newington, Conn., and Delray Beach, Fla., the only member of Save On Drugs, began placing ads for his snake oil in December 2008, Pfizer says.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate), is a sexual impotence drug. Pfizer says Rudy pushes his pills - which are not "genuine Viagra" - through his Save On Drugs Web site, and in ads that state, for example, "Viagra - Save $400 - 40 Pills -- $99.00. That's right!" His Web site advertises "Super Special Prices on Viagra & Cialis."

Pfizer says it hired a private detective who placed orders for the "generic Viagra" and then tested the trademarked drug.

The drug company wants Rudy ordered to place ads disavowing any connection with Pfizer or Viagra, an injunction telling him to knock it off, disgorgement of unjust profits, destruction of his pills, and punitive damages for trademark violations, false designation, unfair competition, unfair trade, and consumer law violations.

The complaint does not state what, in fact, Rudy's pills contain.

Pfizer is represented by Joseph Martini with Wiggin & Dana.

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