“…Mr Alkin relied on Hallen v Brabantia [1991] RPC 195. That case concerned coating the helix of a corkscrew with a friction-reducing material. The judge held that it was obvious to coat any such helix in order to …”
“…n invention is obvious for one reason, the fact that it also has other, non-obvious, benefits is immaterial: see Hallen Co v Brabantia (UK) Ltd [1989] RPC 307, [1991] RPC 195.…”
“…In Hallen Co and another v Brabantia (UK) Ltd [1991] RPC 195 the invention was coating the helix of a well-known self-puller type of corkscrew with a friction reducing material. This made it easier for the user to insert…”
“…Insofar as that mindset reflects on commercial motivation, I would add that, as the passage from the judgment of Slade LJ in Hallen & Co v Brabantia (UK) Ltd [1991] RPC 195 at 213, cited by Aldous LJ, demonstrates, the question of obviousness does not compel or require any proof of commercial obviousness. Indeed, as Sedley LJ poin…”