Baygol Pty Ltd v Foamex Polystyrene Pty Ltd [2005] FCA 624

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Baygol Pty Ltd v Foamex Polystyrene Pty Ltd [2005] FCA 624 PATENTS – preliminary question regarding construction of patent – patent asserts monopoly in a method of forming building foundations as a waffle raft concrete slab – allegation that respondents have manufactured and sold infringing products – patent refers to the use of concrete spacers – respondents claim that their use of plastic spacers is outside the terms of the patent – construction of the integer "concrete spacer" on the patent – discussion of "pith and marrow" and purposive approaches to construction of patents – language of patent is unambiguous and raises no questions of fact or degree – relevance of amendments to the patent – application of Improver questions Patents Act 1990 (Cth) s 116 Federal Court Rules O 29 r 3 Catnic Components Ltd v Hill & Smith Ltd [1982] RPC 183 applied Improver Corporation v Remington Consumer Products Limited [1990] FSR 181 applied Populin v HB Nominees Pty Ltd (1982) 41 ALR 471 referred to Rhone-Poulenc Agrochimie SA & Anor v UIM Chemical Services Pty Ltd & Anor (1986) 12 FCR 477 discussed Prestige (Australia) Group Pty Ltd v Dart (1990) 26 FCR 197 referred to Nicaro Holdings Pty Ltd v Martin Engineering Co (1990) 91 ALR 513 cited Rehm Pty Ltd v Websters Security Systems (International) Pty Ltd (1988) 81 ALR 79 discussed Olin Corporation Ltd v Super Cartridge Co Pty Ltd (1977) 180 CLR 236 discussed Clark v Adie (1875) 10 Ch App 667 cited Root Quality Pty Ltd v Root Control Technologies Pty Ltd (2000) 177 ALR 231 applied Societe Technique de Pulverisation v Emson Europe Ltd & Ors [1993] RPC 513 discussed Kirin-Amgen v Hoeschst Marion Roussel Ltd [2004] UKHL 46 (21 October 2004) applied PhotoCure ASA v Queen's University at Kingston [2005] FCA 344 discussed