Mishcon de Reya's Innovation team has emerged from a two-week trial in the Patents Court with significant wins for longstanding client Heraeus Noblelight Limited, part of the global Heraeus Group of technology companies, following a dispute with its closest competitor which began over two and a half years ago.
Heraeus Noblelight is a world leader in innovative light sources for use in industrial, scientific and medical applications. Its patented method of forming glass-to-metal seals was among the innovations for which it was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2015, and gives it a significant advantage in a highly-competitive marketplace.
First Light Lamps Limited is one of Heraeus Noblelight's main competitors. When Heraeus Noblelight discovered in January 2021 that First Light was competing against it using a glass-to-metal sealing process that was only slightly different from its own proprietary methodology, it was obliged to commence proceedings.
Following a two-week trial in the Patents Court in June 2023, Heraeus Noblelight has emerged victorious after Zacaroli J found that First Light's adapted process fell within Heraeus Noblelight's patent when properly construed. He also rejected First Light's arguments that Heraeus Noblelight's patent is invalid.
Intellectual Property Disputes Partner Gareth Dickson, who led the Mishcon de Reya team on behalf of Heraeus Noblelight, commented on the judgment: "We are delighted to have helped a fantastic client achieve a really important win in an exciting indication of what is in store for Mishcon Future and the innovators and entrepreneurs we serve".
The Mishcon team included Gareth Dickson, Campbell Forsyth, Oliver Cotton and Josh Boothroyd. A copy of the Judgment can be obtained here.