Flexsys files patent-infringement complaint with ITC

13 May '08

2 min read

Flexsys America L.P, a subsidiary of Solutia Inc, announced it has filed a new complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against Sinorgchem Co, Shandong; Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co Ltd (KKPC); Kumho Tire Co Inc; and Kumho Tire USA Inc.

This complaint asserts that the importation of Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA or any antidegradants made from its 4-ADPA into the United States violates section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act, due to Sinorgchem's infringement upon Flexsys' patents for the production of 4-ADPA and its intermediates.

"Flexsys invests significantly in the discovery, development and commercialization of manufacturing processes for rubber chemicals," said Jim Voss, president of Flexsys and senior vice president of Solutia Inc. "When our competitors attempt to illegally misappropriate our patented technology, we will continue to take aggressive action including the enforcement of our legal rights on a global scale."

In this new case, Flexsys seeks an exclusion order barring the importation of Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA as well as 6PPD made from Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA into the United States, including that manufactured by KKPC. A separate exclusion order continues to be in effect for Sinorgchem material as a result of an additional case that Flexsys already is pursuing before the ITC against Sinorgchem.

Flexsys also has a civil patent infringement case against Kumho Tire, KKPC and Sinorgchem. This case is currently pending in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

More Solutia Inc News... More Textiles News - United States Of America...