Coflexip SA v Stolt Offshore MS Ltd & Ors

Coflexip SA v Stolt Offshore MS Ltd & Ors

Cause of action estoppel applies; the defendants are bound by the prior judgment and cannot rely on subsequent revocation to avoid the damages inquiry. Public policy and statutory arguments do not override the estoppel. The application for stay is refused.

Parties
Claimant: Coflexip SA; Claimant: Technip Offshore UK Ltd; Defendant: Stolt Offshore MS Ltd; Defendant: Stolt Offshore Ltd; Defendant: Stolt Offshore A/S
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 July 2003
Procedural Posture
Patent Infringement / Application for Stay of Damages Inquiry
Outcome
application for stay refused
Legal Topics
Patent Revocation, Cause of Action Estoppel, Stay of Proceedings, Damages Inquiry
Intellectual Property Civil Procedure Patent Revocation Cause of Action Estoppel Stay of Proceedings Damages Inquiry

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Parties

Coflexip SA

Claimant

Technip Offshore UK Ltd

Claimant

Stolt Offshore MS Ltd

Defendant

Stolt Offshore Ltd

Defendant

Stolt Offshore A/S

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Patent Infringement / Application for Stay of Damages Inquiry

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a stay of the damages inquiry should be granted pending appeal of patent revocation
  2. 2 Whether cause of action estoppel prevents defendants from relying on subsequent patent revocation
  3. 3 Whether public policy or statutory provisions override estoppel in this context

Ratio Decidendi

Cause of action estoppel applies; the defendants are bound by the prior judgment and cannot rely on subsequent revocation to avoid the damages inquiry. Public policy and statutory arguments do not override the estoppel. The application for stay is refused.

Court Disposition

application for stay refused

Orders

  • No stay of the damages inquiry is granted.
  • The damages inquiry will proceed as scheduled.