(Per M.S. SANKLECHA, J.)

This petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India challenges the order dated 4 March 2013 passed by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (Tribunal). By the impugned order the Tribunal upheld the order dated 9 March 2012 passed by the Controller of Patents (Controller) granting Compulsory License to M/s. Natco Pharmaceuticals Limited (Natco) under Section 84 of the Patent Act 1970 (the Act). This compulsory licence was in respect of the petitioner's patented invented drug Sorafenib Tosylate (compound of Carboxyaryl Substituted Diphenyl Ureas) sold under brand name Nexavar (patented drug).

2) This petition arises out of orders granting a compulsory license of the patented drug owned by the petitioner to Natco on application of the provisions of Chapter XVI and in particular Section 84 of the Act. The challenge of the petitioner is to the allowing of the application of Natco for compulsory licence and to the manner in which Chapter XVI of the Act and in particular Section 84 of the Act has been applied. We are informed at the Bar that it is for the first time after India became a signatory to Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Propert