The appellants obtained an injunction against the respondent in a patent infringement action.
The trial judge delivered written reasons for decision on December 11, 1980, but the formal judgment was not signed until December 18, 1980.
The respondent allegedly continued to sell the infringing product during this period.
The appellants sought a contempt order, which was dismissed by the lower courts on the basis that the injunction was not effective until the formal judgment was signed.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal, holding that while the judgment itself takes effect upon signing, flouting the clear prohibitions in the reasons for decision before the formal judgment is signed can constitute contempt by interfering with the orderly administration of justice.
