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Merck & Co., Inc. v. Brantford Chemicals Inc.
A-204-04
2005 FCA 48, Rothstein J.A.
2/2/05
7 pp.
Respondent applying under Patent Act, s. 65 for compulsory licence under appellant's Canadian patent 1275349 for manufacture, sale of enalapril-sodium iodide and sodium enalapril derived from sodium enalapril-sodium iodide on grounds of abuse by appellant of exclusive rights under patent--Commissioner of Patents refusing respondent's first application but allowing second application on grounds respondent making case for relief--Respondent serving application on appellant--Appellant moving for declaration respondent barred from proceeding with application on grounds of issue estoppel (res judicata) but Commissioner dismissing motion--Federal Court dismissing appeal therefrom ((2004), 252 F.T.R. 285)--Res judicata requiring determination of same question, finality of decision creating estoppel, same parties or privies in both proceedings-- Procedure on application under Act, s. 65 set out in s. 68-- Commissioner's decision to refuse to entertain application not final--Words in s. 68 not suggesting decision final--Decision made on ex parte application--Patentee served with documents, becoming party to proceedings only if Commissioner deciding applicant making case for relief-- Only effect of "screening" decision in favour of applicant under s. 68(2) to allow patentee to oppose application-- Commissioner may grant compulsory licence only after considering opposition, submissions of both parties--Federal Court not erring in concluding Commissioner's decision under s. 68(2) not final--Appellant not privy of Commissioner in s. 68 proceedings since administrative tribunal not party in respect of own decision--Appeal dismissed--Patent Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. P-4, ss. 65 (as am. by S.C. 1993, c. 15, s. 51; c. 44, s. 196), 68(2).