QMC Instruments Ltd v Celtic Terahertz Technology Ltd & Ors [2025] EWHC 3485 (IPEC) (26 November 2025)

QMC Instruments Ltd v Celtic Terahertz Technology Ltd & Ors [2025] EWHC 3485 (IPEC) (26 November 2025)

Summary judgment refused; factual disputes regarding scope of contractual terms and intellectual property rights require trial. QMCIL failed to demonstrate entitlement to exclusive rights or equitable relief to the standard required for summary judgment.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 3485 (IPEC)
Parties
Claimant: QMC Instruments Limited; First Defendant: Celtic Terahertz Technology Limited; Second Defendant: Cardiff University; Third Defendant: Carol Tucker; Fourth Defendant: Ken Wood; Fifth Defendant: Peter Ade
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Intellectual Property Dispute / Summary Judgment Application
Outcome
Summary judgment application refused; mediation ordered; costs awarded to defendants.
Legal Topics
Exclusive Licence, Copyright Infringement, Know How, Derivative Claim, Summary Judgment, Equitable Relief, Costs, Contract Interpretation
Intellectual Property Contract Equity Exclusive Licence Copyright Infringement Know How Derivative Claim Summary Judgment +3 more

Case Brief

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Parties

QMC Instruments Limited

Claimant

Celtic Terahertz Technology Limited

First Defendant

Cardiff University

Second Defendant

Carol Tucker

Third Defendant

Ken Wood

Fourth Defendant

Peter Ade

Fifth Defendant

Procedural Posture

Intellectual Property Dispute / Summary Judgment Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether QMCIL holds exclusive rights to MMF intellectual property under 1991 and 2001 agreements
  2. 2 Whether Cardiff University breached contractual or equitable duties
  3. 3 Whether summary judgment is appropriate given factual disputes

Ratio Decidendi

Summary judgment refused; factual disputes regarding scope of contractual terms and intellectual property rights require trial. QMCIL failed to demonstrate entitlement to exclusive rights or equitable relief to the standard required for summary judgment.

Court Disposition

Summary judgment application refused; mediation ordered; costs awarded to defendants.

Orders

  • Case stayed for mediation until end of February.
  • Detailed assessment of costs on standard basis.