12 Mar 2009
DSM DYNEEMA SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVES PATENT INFRINGEMENT DISPUTE WITH BELPROTECT
Belprotect recognizes DSM Dyneema patent, will not sell infringing products
URMOND (NL), 12 March 2009 - DSM Dyneema, inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™, announced today that it has reached a settlement with Belgian company Belprotect that ends a patent infringement dispute related to patented DSM Dyneema technology.
The dispute was settled and as part of the agreement Belprotect have signed a statement in which they fully acknowledge the validity of DSM Dyneema’s Intellectual Property and will not sell any infringing products. DSM Dyneema has agreed to drop legal procedures initiated against Belprotect with immediate effect.
“Innovation is one of our core values and effective patent protection is essential to drive the continuous innovation that benefits our customers. Consequently we are highly committed to defend our patents and this settlement again reflects the effectiveness of our ongoing efforts. We are pleased that this settlement was reached without having to take further steps in court.” says Christophe Dardel, President Business Group, DSM Dyneema.
The DSM Dyneema patent portfolio consists of well over 100 inventions protected by over 500 filed patents and patent applications worldwide, and is expanding all the time. DSM Dyneema vigorously defends its intellectual property and has successfully addressed a number of trademark and patent infringement cases around the world, including in Asia, Europe and the USA.
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About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that 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® 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.
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 and www.dyneemamatters.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.
Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V..
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