Kennametal Inc v Pramet Tools SRO & Anor [2014] EWHC 565 (Pat) (05 March 2014)

Kennametal Inc v Pramet Tools SRO & Anor [2014] EWHC 565 (Pat) (05 March 2014)

On proper construction, 'substantially straight cutting edge region' requires a region of sufficient length to be objectively distinguished from an arc; Pramet inserts do not possess such a region and therefore do not infringe claim 1 of the 643 Patent. Even if a tiny region existed, it would not satisfy the claim as construed. Secondary conical clearance surface is present, but does not affect the outcome. Section 60(2) knowledge/obviousness relates to intended use, not patent scope; no supply of ZDCW inserts in UK, but intention to supply would suffice for injunctive relief if infringement found.

Citation
[2014] EWHC 565 (Pat)
Parties
Claimant: Kennametal Inc; First Defendant: Pramet Tools SRO; Second Defendant: Associated Production Tools Ltd
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 March 2014
Procedural Posture
Patent Infringement and Validity / Final Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim dismissed; no infringement found
Legal Topics
Patent Infringement, Patent Validity, Claim Construction, Contributory Infringement, Section 60(2) Patents Act 1977
Intellectual Property Patent Law Patent Infringement Patent Validity Claim Construction Contributory Infringement Section 60(2) Patents Act 1977

Case Brief

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Parties

Kennametal Inc

Claimant

Pramet Tools SRO

First Defendant

Associated Production Tools Ltd

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Patent Infringement and Validity / Final Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Pramet inserts infringe claim 1 of EP (UK) No. 1,897,643
  2. 2 Whether claim 1 is valid in light of prior art
  3. 3 Proper construction of 'substantially straight cutting edge region' and 'secondary conical clearance surface'

Ratio Decidendi

On proper construction, 'substantially straight cutting edge region' requires a region of sufficient length to be objectively distinguished from an arc; Pramet inserts do not possess such a region and therefore do not infringe claim 1 of the 643 Patent. Even if a tiny region existed, it would not satisfy the claim as construed. Secondary conical clearance surface is present, but does not affect the outcome. Section 60(2) knowledge/obviousness relates to intended use, not patent scope; no supply of ZDCW inserts in UK, but intention to supply would suffice for injunctive relief if infringement found.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed; no infringement found

Orders

  • No injunction granted
  • No relief for ZDCW inserts