Anton Piller KG v Manufacturing Processes Ltd (1976) established the powerful Anton Piller Order, allowing a plaintiff to enter a defendant’s premises to seize evidence without prior warning. The Order protected IP rights by preventing evidence destruction by preserving commercial and IP rights.
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🏛️ Court: Court of Appeal (Civil Division) 🗓️ Judgment Date: 8 December 1975 🗂️ Where Reported: [1976] Ch. 55; [1976] 2 W.L.R. 162; [1976] 1 All E.R. 779 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
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Ex Parte Order for Inspection: The court can grant an ex parte order allowing entry to premises for inspection of documents where there is a strong prima facie case and a risk of evidence destruction. This power prevents a defendant from tampering with evidence, preserving justice without serving as a forced entry warrant.