For the whole decision click here: o28799
Result
Rules 51 & 52(1) - Request for discovery refused
Points Of Interest
Summary
Following an interlocutory hearing, the Hearing Officer refused the proprietors' request for discovery in two areas, namely (a) who undertook investigations in relation to use of the mark in suit, and when and with what result, and (b) the support for the applicant's deponent's opinion as to the grounds of non-use submitted by the proprietors.
In his statement of grounds for his decision, the Hearing Officer explained that the proprietors had confirmed non-use of the mark in suit, and had failed to furnish evidence of use in accordance with Rule 31(3). In his view, therefore, it could not be of evidential materiality, or necessary to dispose of the proceedings, to ascertain details of the investigation that took place as to use of the mark in suit. Furthermore, in the circumstances of this case, he regarded the request as to (a) as a 'fishing expedition'. (P v T Ltd distinguished).
The opinion of the applicant's deponent was not a matter open to discovery