Garmin (Europe) Ltd v Koninklijke Philips N.V. [2019] EWHC 107 (Ch)
Claim for infringement of an early patent covering GPS fitness trackers. Philips argued that the patent had been ‘art-changing’ in 1998 (cf Schlumberger), raising hotly contested issues as to the identity of the skilled person and the CGK. Garmin argued that the invention was obvious on classical grounds, but also that it was a mere collocation of independent features and/or excluded subject matter. Both parties succeeded on significant parts of their claims.
Hugo Cuddigan QC and Thomas Alkin represented Garmin. Brian Nicholson QC and Christopher Hall represented Philips.