Outcome of opposition proceedings relating to patent jointly owned by Archroma and International Paper

Reinach, 17 November 2015 – Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals, today announced a successful outcome from opposition proceedings held at the European Patent Office (EPO).

The invention, which allows more efficient use of optical brightening agents, is a new illustration of how Archroma continuously works with its partners in the paper industry to provide innovations that combine both performance and ecological benefits.

On August 22, 2012, the EPO granted Archroma and International Paper a European patent, which is presently in force in fifteen member states of the European Patent Convention. The patent claims and protects aqueous sizing compositions for optical brightening of substrates for ink jet printing comprising binder, divalent metal salt, and a specific optical brightener. The European Patent 2,192,230, jointly owned by Archroma and International Paper, was upheld with only minimal amendment to the scope of the claims. The oral proceedings of October 6, 2015 resulted following an opposition to the patent filed by two parties. The Opposition Division of the EPO came to this decision on October 6, 2015 after a public hearing in opposition proceedings. The reasons for the Opposition Division’s decision, setting out a full assessment of the facts and arguments, will be published at a later date.

Valerie Diele-Braun, President of Archroma’s Paper Solutions, comments: “We are pleased that the invention resulting from a joint development between our two companies has been confirmed by the EPO. Archroma takes pride in working with customers to provide innovative solutions delivering business success.”

Archroma and International Paper were represented at the oral proceedings by the law firm of Wallinger, Ricker, Schlotter, Tostmann (WRST).

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