H. Lundbeck A/S v Sandoz Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 1797

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

H. Lundbeck A/S v Sandoz Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 1797 File numbers: NSD 647 of 2014 NSD 824 of 2016

Judge: JAGOT J

Date of judgment: 21 November 2018

Catchwords: PATENTS – construction of claims – (+) and (−)-enantiomers – where patent claims separated (+)-enantiomer – no defence to infringement where only trace, trivial or insignificant amounts of (−)-enantiomer present in infringing products – claims of patent infringed PATENTS – whether patentee/exclusive licensee prevented from brining infringement proceedings under provisions of the Patents Act 1990 (Cth) CONTRACTS – construction of settlement agreement – licence to exploit the invention the subject of the patent in suit – licence no defence to infringement DAMAGES – innocent infringement – discretionary defences – whether award of additional damages appropriate – assessment of damages for patent infringement – object of award of damages to restore patentee and/or exclusive licensee to the position each would have been in but for infringement

Legislation: Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth), s 12 Australian Consumer Law, s 18 Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), s115(4) Designs Act 2003 (Cth), s 75(3) Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), s 51A Patents Act 1952 (Cth) Patents Act 1990 (Cth), ss 3, 13, 15AB, 18, 32, 36, 40, 41, 42, 54, 55, 65, 67, 70, 71, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 79C, 83, 85, 101E, 101F, 120, 122, 123, 133, 136H, 136J, 142, 143, 143A, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 165A, 215, 223, 227 and 228 Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth), s 126 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), r 39.06 Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth), reg 22.21 Explanatory Memorandum, Patents Bill 1990 (Cth), cl 77