Case C-473/22

Mylan AB

v

Gilead Sciences Finland Oy and Others

(Request for a preliminary ruling from the markkinaoikeus)

Judgment of the Court (Third Chamber) of 11 January 2024

(Reference for a preliminary ruling – Intellectual and industrial property – Medicinal product for human use – Supplementary protection certificate (SPC) – Directive 2004/48/EC – Article 9(7) – Placing on the market of products infringing SPC rights – Provisional measures ordered on the basis of an SPC – Subsequent invalidity of the SPC and revocation of the measures – Consequences – Right to appropriate compensation for losses caused by the provisional measures – Liability of the applicant for those measures for losses caused by them – National legislation providing for strict liability)

1. Approximation of laws – Enforcement of intellectual property rights – Directive 2004/48 – Measures, procedures and remedies – Provisional and precautionary measures – Provisional measures ordered on the basis of a patent or a supplementary protection certificate – Subsequent invalidity of that patent or certificate and revocation of the measures – Liability of the applicant for those measures for losses caused by them – National legislation providing for strict liability – Whether permissible – Conditions

   (European Parliament and Council Directive 2004/48, Art. 9(7))

   (see paragraphs 36-40)

2. Approximation of laws – Enforcement of intellectual property rights – Directive 2004/48 – Measures, procedures and remedies – Conditions under which applicable – No abuse – Justification and proportionality – Balance between a high level of protection of intellectual property rights and the rights and freedoms of the defendant – No barrier to legitimate trade, – Deterrent effect – To be determined by the national court

   (European Parliament and Council Directive 2004/48, Arts 3 and 9)

   (see paragraphs 41-50)

See the text of the decision.