RGC Mineral Sands Limited v Wimmera Industrial Minerals Pty Ltd [1998] FCA 1358

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS – amendment – amendments directed by Court at interlocutory stage of infringement proceedings – amendments not allowable if as result of amendments specification would claim matter not in substance disclosed in specification as filed – whether order directing amendments interlocutory or final – whether leave to appeal should be granted – whether matter in substance disclosed in specification as filed. Patents Act 1990, ss 40(2), 102(1), 105(1) Patents Act 1952 (Cth), s 45A(2) Ethyl Corporation's Patent [1972] RPC 169, referred to CCOM Pty Ltd v Jiejing Pty Ltd (1994) 51 FCR 260, referred to Société des Usines Chimiques Rhône-Poulenc v Commissioner of Patents (1958) 100 CLR 5, applied Leonardis v Sartas No 1 Pty Ltd (1996) 67 FCR 126, referred to Licul v Corney (1976) 8 ALR 437, applied Carr v Finance Corporation of Australia Ltd [No 1] (1981) 147 CLR 246, applied Computer Edge Pty Ltd v Apple Computer Inc. (1984) 54 ALR 767, applied May & Baker Ltd v Boots Pure Drug Co Ltd (1948) 65 RPC 255; (1948) 66 RPC 8; (1950) RPC 23, referred to Decor Corporation Pty Ltd v Dart Industries Inc (1991) 33 FCR 397, applied AMP Incorporated v Hellerman [1962] RPC 55, applied Coopers Animal Health Australia Ltd v Western Stock Distributors Pty Ltd (1986) 15 FCR 382, referred to Water Board v Moustakas (1988) 180 CLR 491, applied RGC MINERAL SANDS PTY LIMITED v WIMMERA INDUSTRIAL MINERALS PTY LTD No. VG 215 of 1994 No. VG 617 of 1997 BURCHETT, CARR & GOLDBERG JJ MELBOURNE 23 OCTOBER 1998

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

VICTORIA DISTRICT REGISTRY VG 215 of 1994

VG 617 of 1997

ON APPEAL FROM A JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

BETWEEN: RGC MINERAL SANDS LIMITED

APPELLANT

AND: WIMMERA INDUSTRIAL MINERALS PTY LIMITED