Welcome Real-Time SA v Catuity Inc [2001] FCA 445

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Welcome Real-Time SA v Catuity Inc [2001] FCA 445 PATENTS – patent for process and device for operation of smart cards in connection with traders' loyalty programs – claim for infringement and cross-claim for revocation – construction – "Behaviour file", "coupon" – whether infringement – whether definite steps to use infringing system before priority date – whether manner of manufacture – whether lacking in novelty – whether obvious – whether useful – whether lacking in clarity – sufficiency or description – fair basis WORDS AND PHRASES – "Behaviour file" "coupon" Patents Act 1990 (Cth) ss 7, 13(1), 18(1)(a), 40(2)(a), 40(3), 119(1)(b) Patents Act 1977 (Imp) s 64 Statute of Monopolies 1623 (Imp) s 6 Constitution of the United States Art 1, s 8, cl 8 Flexible Steel Lacing Company v Beltreco Ltd (2000) 49 IPR 331 at [70]-[81] followed Rhone-Poulenc Agrochimie SA v UIM Chemical Services Pty Ltd (1986) 12 FCR 477 at 496 applied CCOM Pty Ltd v Jiejing Pty Ltd (1993) 27 IPR 577 at 627 followed Helitune Ltd v Stewart Hughes Ltd [1991] FSR 171 mentioned Lubrizol Corporation v Esso Petroleum Ltd [1998] RPC 727 mentioned Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Ltd v Orica Australia Pty Ltd (1999) 99 FCR 151 at [222] mentioned Rolls Royce Ltd's Application [1963] RPC 251 mentioned Re Brown (1899) 5 ALR 81 mentioned Commissioner of Patents v Lee (1913) 16 CLR 138 mentioned Nielson v Minister for Public Works (NSW) (1914) 18 CLR 423 mentioned Re Kelvin & Hughes Ltd's Application (1954) 71 RPC 103 mentioned Rogers v Commissioner of Patents (1910) 10 CLR 701 mentioned ESP's Application (1945) 62 RPC 87 mentioned W's Application (1914) 31 RPC 141 mentioned International Business Machines Corporation v Commissioner of Patents (1991) 33 FCR 218 followed CCOM Pty Ltd v Jiejing Pty Ltd (1994) 51 FCR 260 applied Commissioner of Patents v Microcell Ltd (1959) 102 CLR 232 at 249 distinguished National Research Development Corporation v Commissioner of Patents (1959) 102 CLR 252 applied Joos v Commissioner of Patents (1972) 126 CLR 611 at 616 mentioned Crane v Price (1842) 3 Man & G 580, 134 ER 239 mentioned Re GEC's Application (1942) 60 RPC 1 mentioned Re Cementation Co Ltd's Application (1945) 62 RPC 151 mentioned Rantzen's Case (1946) 64 RPC 63 mentioned Burroughs Corp Application [1974] RPC 147 at 161 mentioned International Business Machines Corporation's Application [1980] FSR 564 mentioned State Street Bank & Trust Co v Signature Financial Group 149 F 3d 1368 (1998) discussed Meyers Taylor Pty Ltd v Vicarr Industries Ltd (1977) 137 CLR 228 at 235 applied Flour Oxidising Co Ltd v Carr Atco Ltd (1908) 25 RPC 428 at 457 mentioned General Tyre & Rubber Co v Firestone Tyre & Rubber Co Ltd [1972] RPC 457 at 485-6 mentioned Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co v Beiersdorf (Australia) Ltd (1980) 144 CLR 253 at 293 applied Aktiebolaget Hassle v Alphapharm Pty Ltd (2000) AIPC 91-636 at [69] applied Sach v Hartford Electric Co 47 F 2d 743 (1931) at 748 mentioned Fawcett v Homan (1896) 13 RPC 398 at 405 applied Upper Hunter County District Council v Australian Chilling & Freezing Co Ltd (1968) 118 CLR 429 applied Kimberley-Clark Australia Pty Ltd v Araco Trading International Pty Ltd (2001) 177 ALR 460 at [25] applied Universal Oil Products Co v Monsanto Co (1972) 46 ALJR 658 at 661 applied Décor Corporation Pty Ltd v Dart Industries Inc (1988) 13 IPR 385 at 393, 400 applied Pearce v Paul Kingston Pty Ltd (1992) 23 IPR 303 at 307-308 applied Rehm Pty Ltd v Websters Security Systems (International) Pty Ltd (1988) 11 IPR 281 at 302-305 applied WELCOME REAL-TIME S.A. v CATUITY INC & ORS V 526 OF 2000 HEEREY J 17 MAY 2001 MELBOURNE