Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd v Glaxosmithkline Biologicals SA [2018] EWHC 3425 (Ch) (30 November 2018)

Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd v Glaxosmithkline Biologicals SA [2018] EWHC 3425 (Ch) (30 November 2018)

GSK must use best endeavours to narrow list of independently valid claims before PPD, with liberty to amend after PPD; disclosure order for prior use defence not appropriate until pleaded; confidentiality undertakings not required from all GSK legal staff and support, Powell Gilbert LLP to take responsibility; GSK not restrained from using confidential information for patent amendments beyond CPR 31.22(1).

Citation
[2018] EWHC 3425 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant/part 20 Defendant: Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited; Defendant/part 20 Claimant: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A.
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 November 2018
Procedural Posture
Patent Infringement and Validity Dispute / Case Management Conference (cmc) and Interlocutory Orders
Outcome
Interlocutory orders issued; MSD's proposals on confidentiality undertakings and use restrictions rejected; procedural directions set.
Legal Topics
Patent Infringement, Patent Validity, Confidentiality Agreements, Disclosure Orders
Intellectual Property Patent Law Patent Infringement Patent Validity Confidentiality Agreements Disclosure Orders

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Parties

Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited

Claimant/part 20 Defendant

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A.

Defendant/part 20 Claimant

Procedural Posture

Patent Infringement and Validity Dispute / Case Management Conference (cmc) and Interlocutory Orders

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Timing of identification of independently valid patent claims
  2. 2 Disclosure order regarding prior use defence
  3. 3 Scope of confidentiality undertakings for legal representatives and support staff

Ratio Decidendi

GSK must use best endeavours to narrow list of independently valid claims before PPD, with liberty to amend after PPD; disclosure order for prior use defence not appropriate until pleaded; confidentiality undertakings not required from all GSK legal staff and support, Powell Gilbert LLP to take responsibility; GSK not restrained from using confidential information for patent amendments beyond CPR 31.22(1).

Court Disposition

Interlocutory orders issued; MSD's proposals on confidentiality undertakings and use restrictions rejected; procedural directions set.

Orders

  • GSK to use best endeavours to narrow independently valid claims before PPD, with liberty to amend after PPD.
  • MSD to decide on section 64 prior use defence within 28 days and inform GSK.