J&J Potential Hitch in Merck-Schering's Get-Along

Updated from 2:59 p.m. EDT

A merger between Merck(MRK) and Schering-Plough(SGP) could get roiled by a dispute over rights to a drug made by Johnson & Johnson(JNJ).

Schering has international marketing rights to Remicade, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Those rights may be void, however, if control of the company changes hands, according to The Associated Press.

"With Schering-Plough and Merck stating that they believe the merger will not impact these marketing rights, we believe that J&J is likely to make the next move via a potential lawsuit (against the companies) to claim the international rights, or by negotiating a payment to reacquire them," said Caris and Co. analyst David Moskowitz, in a note to investors, according to the AP. ...