<<NO GENERIC MAKER HAS EVER ACTUALLY PAID DAMAGES FOR LAUNCHING EARLY [emphasis added].>> I think this statement may be a little misleading because I'm not sure there's much if any precedent wrt launching early. Generic oxycontin also released by teva but after a lower court ruled in teva's favor, final decision still pending appeal. <<may not be taking as large a risk as some investors believe.>> Obviously alo/teva's patent counsel would be est their odds of winning. I imagine they must have been told something north of 95%. Certainly an interesting development.