We’re delighted to have secured another successful result for our client, Quick Play Sport Limited, in the recent High Court appeal of a patent revocation action before the IPO in Networld Sports v Quick Play Sport Limited.
Our team successfully defended the patent against a revocation action before the IPO at first instance, where the primary independent claims of the patent were held valid. With the issues before the High Court focused on claim construction, Deputy Judge David Stone has now dismissed Networld Sports’ appeal, upheld the patent’s validity, and also allowed Quick Play Sport’s respondent’s notice to find the patent valid for an additional reason to that of the IPO.
The outcome is a full-circle moment, with the firm having drafted the original application, and reflects the depth of the team’s combined expertise in handling patent matters at every stage, from drafting and prosecution through to contentious proceedings before the IPO and High Court.
With the potential for national revocation actions to play an increasingly strategic role in patent disputes invoking the UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction, experience before both the IPO and the courts is taking on greater significance. Our team is well placed to help clients navigate these evolving challenges and develop effective litigation strategies.
The team from Appleyard Lees was led by UK and EP patent attorney and solicitor of England and Wales Arnie Francis, working alongside partner Chris Mason.
Chris commented: “We’ve worked with Quick Play Sport over many years and have watched it grow from a small Sheffield-based start-up, founded in 2007, into an international business supplying football goals and training equipment to a variety of customers – from grassroots players to clubs and retailers. It’s incredibly satisfying to support that journey by helping protect what is now a high volume and highly valuable IP portfolio.”
Congratulations to our client and everyone involved in achieving this excellent result.
