The appellant pharmaceutical company sued the respondents for defamation arising from radio and internet broadcasts, as well as statements made in the House of Commons.
The appellant failed to serve a notice of defamation prior to commencing the action, as required by s. 5(1) of the Libel and Slander Act.
The Court of Appeal upheld the striking of the defamation claims, confirming that the notice requirement applies to non-media defendants and that failure to provide notice is an absolute bar to the action.
The Court also upheld the striking of claims based on statements made in Parliament due to absolute parliamentary privilege.
