A team from Chambers including Daniel Alexander QC and Andrew Lykiardopoulos (Sanofi) and Richard Meade QC with Junior Tim Powell (Actavis) recently appeared before Mr Justice Arnold in Actavis v. Sanofi. The case raises further important issues on the interpretation of the SPC Regulation. The dispute concerns the validity of an SPC for the combination medication CoAprovel (irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide).
On 20th September 2012, following a speedy trial, Mr Justice Arnold referred two questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union asking for guidance as to the interpretation of Art. 3(a) and 3(c) of the Regulation.