Merck & Co. Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 2006 FCA 297

Date: 20060911

Docket: A-33-06

Citation: 2006 FCA 297

CORAM:       LINDEN J.A.

                        SEXTON J.A.

                        MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

MERCK & CO., INC., MERCK FROSST CANADA & CO.

MERCK FROSST CANADA LTD., SYNGENTA LIMITED

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED and ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

Appellants

and

APOTEX INC.

Respondent

Heard at Toronto, Ontario, on September 11, 2006.

Judgment delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on September 11, 2006.

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT BY:                                                 SEXTON J.A.

Date: 20060911

Docket: A-33-06

Citation: 2006 FCA 297

CORAM:       LINDEN J.A.

                        SEXTON J.A.

                        MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

MERCK & CO., INC., MERCK FROSST CANADA & CO.

MERCK FROSST CANADA LTD., SYNGENTA LIMITED

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED and ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

Appellants

and

APOTEX INC.

Respondent

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

(Delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on September 11, 2006)

SEXTON J.A.

[1]               We see no merit in the appeal. The Trial Judge exercised his discretion to allow the amendments. He permitted the appellants to have further examinations for discovery and to lead further evidence. To the extent they wished, the appellants did this. Furthermore, the Trial Judge dealt with these issues in his Reasons for Judgment. We see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the Trial Judge.

[2]               The appeal will be dismissed with costs.

“J. Edgar Sexton” 

FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL

NAMES OF COUNSEL AND SOLICITORS OF RECORD

DOCKET:                                                                              A-33-06

(APPEAL FROM AN ORDER OF THE FEDERAL COURT DATED JANUARY 10, 2006, DOCKET NO. T-2792-96)

STYLE OF CAUSE:                                                              MERCK & CO., INC., MERCK FROSST CANADA & CO., MERCK FROSST CANADA LTD., SYNGENTA LIMITED, ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED and ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

                                                                                                v.

                                                                                                APOTEX INC.

PLACE OF HEARING:                                                        Toronto, Ontario

DATE OF HEARING:                                                          September 11, 2006

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT BY:       (LINDEN, SEXTON,

                                                                                                MALONE  JJ.A.)

DELIVERED FROM THE BENCH BY:                            SEXTON J.A.

APPEARANCES:

SOLICITORS OF RECORD: