25 Jun 2015
DSM Dyneema to appeal against Italian patent ruling
The Netherlands, 25 June 2015 - DSM has announced that it will appeal against a ruling by a judge in the Court of Milan that one of its Patents is not valid. The court case, which dates back to 2009, was brought by DSM against EOS, a distributor based in Italy and Zhong Fang (also known as Beijing Tongyizhong), a Chinese based manufacturer of UHMWPE fibers. The allegation against both companies was that their fiber, mainly intended for use in rope applications, has infringed DSM’s patent number EP1126052.
After a lengthy legal process a patent expert appointed by the judge argued that the patent obtained by DSM was not valid. DSM appointed an independent patent expert to review the evidence. His conclusion was that the patent is valid. As a result of his conclusion and the view of DSM’s own patent experts, DSM has decided that it will appeal the decision.
Discussing the latest developments in the legal process, Global Business Director at DSM Dyneema Edwin Grootendorst said: “Whilst we respect the ruling of the court we do not accept the judge’s decision and we are very disappointed she has come to this conclusion. All the evidence we have gathered points to the fact that our patent is valid. Clearly EOS and Zhong Fang infringed that patent and we will do all we can to mount a successful appeal. This case has made us more determined than ever to protect our IP for the sake of our customers as well as our own business. By protecting our IP we encourage innovation, which is a key driver for our business. This court case has confirmed to us that we have to remain vigilent regarding companies that might be infringing our patents and has made us even more determined to defend those patents anywhere in the world”.
The DSM Dyneema patent portfolio consists of more than 100 inventions that are protected by over 500 filed patents and patent applications around the globe.
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About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.
DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.
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