Court of Appeal raids the Patents Court for intellectual expertise

Yesterday saw the formal appointment of another patents judge to the Court of Appeal.  The Lord Chief Justice's Court was packed with other judges, members of the Bar, Solicitors and Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys welcoming Sir Christopher Floyd's elevation to the Court.  The Lord Chief Justice and Henry Carr QC (11 South Square, Sir Christopher's former chambers) gave strong speeches of support; the LCJ recording his past service amongst other things no Bar Committees and the Copyright Tribunal; Henry Carr added congratulations on Sir Christopher escaping having to handle "on his own" rafts of Smart Phone litigation (eg here and a selection here), where he was facing multiple large teams of practitioners putting forward their complex arguments, also adding just a careful and restrained sprinkling of anecdotes -- no doubt mindful of future appearances.  Sir Christopher will be a sad loss from the Patents Court; he will be a valuable addition to the Court of Appeal following the retirement (or part retirement) of Sir Robin Jacob.  His appointment is a reminder of the calibre and strength of UK judges in the intellectual property field, keeping the UK Courts as an attractive forum for both UK and international litigation -- a point alluded to by the LCJ, perhaps a basis on which the UK judiciary should be awarded the Queens Award for services to export.  Congratulations.