Delhi High Court Awards Record-Breaking Damages in Patent Infringement Case

In a landmark decision for patent protection in India, the Delhi High Court has awarded Canadian company Communication Components Antenna Inc. (CCAI) a staggering INR 217 Crores (US$26.1 million) in compensatory damages. This unprecedented ruling comes after the Court found Chinese corporation Mobi Antenna Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. guilty of infringing on CCAI's patent for innovative telecom antenna technology.

Judge Jyoti Singh delivered the verdict on May 16, 2024, following a thorough examination of the evidence presented by both parties. The case centered on CCAI's Indian Patent No. IN240893, titled "Asymmetrical Beams for Spectrum Efficiency." This patent pertains to a novel design for telecom antennas that allows for adjustable beam patterns, ultimately enhancing spectrum efficiency.

Mobi was accused of violating this patent, and the Court agreed, finding their actions constituted patent infringement. To determine the appropriate compensation for CCAI, the Court focused on the lost profits incurred due to Mobi's infringement. Based on the evidence, the Court estimated that CCAI lost a significant market share, amounting to 47,355 units, with a profit margin of $550 per unit. This calculation resulted in a damage award of ?217,47,78,375 (approximately ?217 crores or US$26.1 million).

This verdict underscores the Delhi High Court's commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights (IPR) and ensuring adequate compensation for infringement. The substantial damages awarded clearly show that infringement will not be tolerated and that right holders will be duly rewarded for their innovations.

The case also highlights the crucial role of effective damage awards in promoting the commercialization of intellectual property. This ruling serves as a beacon of hope for rights holders, demonstrating that the courts stand ready to protect their valuable inventions and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity.