Dyson Ltd v Vax Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 1206 (27 October 2011)

Dyson Ltd v Vax Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 1206 (27 October 2011)

The Mach Zen vacuum cleaner does not infringe Dyson's registered design because it produces a different overall impression on the informed user, considering the significant differences in shape, configuration, and features, and taking into account the degree of design freedom and technical constraints.

Citation
[2011] EWCA Civ 1206
Parties
Appellant: Dyson Limited; Respondent: Vax Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 October 2011
Procedural Posture
Appeal (civil) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Appeal From High Court (chancery Division)
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Registered Designs, Design Infringement, Scope of Protection, Designs Directive 98/71, Registered Designs Act 1949

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 10 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Dyson Limited

Appellant

Vax Limited

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal (civil) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Appeal From High Court (chancery Division)

  1. 1 Whether Vax's Mach Zen vacuum cleaner infringes Dyson's UK registered design No. 2,043,779 by producing the same overall impression on the informed user

Ratio Decidendi

The Mach Zen vacuum cleaner does not infringe Dyson's registered design because it produces a different overall impression on the informed user, considering the significant differences in shape, configuration, and features, and taking into account the degree of design freedom and technical constraints.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • No finding of infringement of Dyson's registered design by Vax's Mach Zen vacuum cleaner
  • No order for retrial or reconsideration