Federal Court of Appeal Decisions

Date: 20040609

Docket: A-29-04

Citation: 2004 FCA 224

CORAM:        LINDEN J.A.

SHARLOW J.A.

MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

ASTRAZENECA AB and

ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

                                                                                                                                          Appellants

(Applicants)

                                                                           and

APOTEX INC. and

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

                                                                                                                                      Respondents

(Respondents)

                                            Heard at Toronto, Ontario, on June 9, 2004.

                       Judgment delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on June 9, 2004.

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

Date: 20040609

Docket: A-29-04

Citation: 2004 FCA 224

CORAM:        LINDEN J.A.

SHARLOW J.A.

MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

ASTRAZENECA AB and

ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

                                                                                                                                          Appellants

(Applicants)

                                                                           and

APOTEX INC. and

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

                                                                                                                                      Respondents

(Respondents)

                                     REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

                         (Delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on June 9, 2004)

SHARLOW J.A.

[1]                Having heard the representations and read the submissions of both parties, we are not persuaded that there is any basis for distinguishing this case from Merck Frosst Canada Inc. et al. v. Apotex et al. (1999), 240 N.R. 195 (F.C.A.), Pfizer Canada Inc. v. Nu-Pharm Inc.; Pfizer Canada Inc. v. Apotex Inc. (2001), 11 C.P.R. (4^th) 245 (F.C.A.), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. v. Rhoxalpharma Inc. (2001), 16 C.P.R. (4^th) 188 (F.C.A.) and Novartis AG v. Apotex Inc. (2002), 22 C.P.R. (4^th) 450 (F.C.A.). We are persuaded that this appeal is moot, and that there is no sound basis for hearing the appeal despite its mootness.

[2]                This motion to dismiss the appeal should be allowed with costs.

"Karen R. Sharlow"   

                                                                                                                                                      J.A.                         

FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL

                            NAMES OF COUNSEL AND SOLICITORS OF RECORD

DOCKET:                                           A-29-04

STYLE OF CAUSE:               ASTRAZENECA AB and

ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

Appellants

(Applicants)

and

APOTEX INC. and

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH                             Respondents

(Respondents)

PLACE OF HEARING:                     TORONTO, ONTARIO

DATE OF HEARING:                       JUNE 9, 2004

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT

OF THE COURT:                               (LINDEN, SHARLOW & MALONE JJ.A)

DELIVERED FROM THE

BENCH BY:                                        SHARLOW J.A.

APPEARANCES:

Mr. Gunars Gaikis

Ms. Kavita Ramamoorthy                      FOR THE APPELLANTS       

Mr. Andrew Brodkin                             FOR THE RESPONDENT,

APOTEX INC.

SOLICITORS OF RECORD:                      

Smart & BiggarLLP

Toronto, Ontario                                   FOR THE APPELLANTS

Goodmans LLP                                                   

Toronto, Ontario                                   FOR THE RESPONDENT,

APOTEX INC.