Sir Nicholas Pumfrey 1951-2007

The IPKat learned this morning that Sir Nicholas Pumfrey, recently elevated from the Patents Court for England and Wales to become a Lord Justice of Appeal, passed away on Christmas Eve following a stroke. The Kat, in common with many, many other people, greatly enjoyed his company and valued his opinions. Whether he was discussing principles of IP law, reminiscing about his own professional experiences, encouraging those following in his footsteps, or discussing the pleasures of the pedalo, his warm and friendly personality shone through.

Only nine days ago Sir Nicholas gave a highly-publicised ruling in Murphy v Media Protection Services Ltd (noted here on the IPKat), upholding the conviction of a publican for an offence under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 when she sought to obtain the transmission of live football matches from Greece, but agreeing to refer questions arising from competition law to the European Court of Justices.

On behalf of all the readers of this weblog, the IPKat sends sincere condolences to his family and prays that they will be spared all further sorrow.