Hearings
England & Wales
24 Feb 1999 [1999] 1 WLR 1630; [1999] 2 All ER 691, Ch D (Laddie J)
28 Oct 1999 [2000] 1 WLR 2436; [2001] 1 All ER 783, CA
Unilever Plc v The Procter & Gamble Co
Subject Matter
PRACTICE — Pleadings — Striking out — Abuse of process — Statements made in course of without prejudice discussions between patent-holder and rival — Rival seeking declaration of non-infringement — Whether statements by patent-holder constituting threat of proceedings for infringement — Whether admissible in evidence — Whether action for declaration to be struck out as abuse of process — Patents Act 1977, ss 70, 71
[1999] 1 WLR 1630; [1999] 2 All ER 691, Ch D
[2000] 1 WLR 2436; [2001] 1 All ER 783, CA
Appellate History
Unilever Plc v The Procter & Gamble Co [1999] 1 WLR 1630; [1999] 2 All ER 691, Ch D
Decision of Laddie J affirmed
Unilever Plc v The Procter & Gamble Co [2000] 1 WLR 2436; [2001] 1 All ER 783, CA
Commentary
Blackstones Civil Practice 2023
Abuse of Process - General examples of abuse of process
33.13
Without-Prejudice Communications 50.117
Without-Prejudice Communications - Proof of settlement 50.118
Without-Prejudice Communications - Abuse of without-prejudice rule 50.119
Without-Prejudice Communications - Use of without-prejudice material in subsequent proceedings 50.121