DSM DYNEEMA TACKLES BRAND MISUSE IN FISHING LINES AND LOOKS TO CATCH KEY LICENSEES

The Netherlands, July 18, 2011 - DSM Dyneema is inviting users of its ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber to collaborate in its brand licensing program. The company aims to ensure that its brand is only used by its authorised licensing partners, in applications for which it is intended.

“DSM Dyneema is committed to building a strong brand and provides valuable support to users and developers across the globe. It is therefore crucial that we keep a tight focus on maintaining the correct and proper use of the Dyneema® brand in all markets where the exceptional properties and brand associations of Dyneema® are key to the success of its customers and its customers’ customers,” says Noud Steffens, Marketing Manager at DSM Dyneema. “For that reason, we are encouraging fiber users to enter our brand licensing program. At the same time, we intend to put an end to the unlicensed, inappropriate use of the Dyneema® brand.”

Underlining this intent, in June this year DSM Dyneema moved to stop Polish company Design Fishing Tackle from claiming that it uses a specific grade of the fiber brand, the SK90 grade from DSM Dyneema, for its fishing lines, and from using the Dyneema® registered trade mark. SK90 from DSM Dyneema is a grade of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber, which is designed specifically for running rigging on high performance sailing yachts, and is not intended for fishing lines. DSM Dyneema does not supply SK90 to Design Fishing Tackle. DSM Dyneema is now in the process of discussing with Design Fishing Tackle possible future collaboration using other grades of Dyneema® fiber which are intended for fishing lines.

In another move, DSM Dyneema noticed the misrepresentation and abuse of its prestigious brand at EFTTEX, the annual exhibition of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) in Amsterdam in June. DSM immediately applied for an injunction against the further unauthorized use of the Dyneema® brand with the District Court in Amsterdam. The Court immediately granted the injunction and ordered the Polish company Design Fishing Tackle to cease the unauthorized use of the Dyneema® brand on penalty of a fine of 50,000 Euros.

“The Dyneema® trademark or logo promoted on an end product provides anglers – and end users in many other applications - with a guarantee that they are investing in performance and quality,” says Steffens. “We need to rigorously protect our intellectual property, which is substantial and highly valuable. For the benefit of all concerned, we cannot and will not tolerate any misuse of DSM’s trademarks and patents.”

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