The Netherlands, 21 November 2012 – DSM Dyneema, the producer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, has again successfully defended its intellectual property covering its very high strength and lightweight polyethylene fiber based products. DSM Dyneema last week reached a settlement with a company manufacturing and trading in fiber based panels for ballistic protective products.
The offending company, whose name is not being made public, signed settlement conditions drawn up by DSM Dyneema, after the case was brought before the “Tribunal de Grande Instance” in Paris. DSM Dyneema confirms that the dispute centered around alleged repeated patent infringement of one of its patents on pressing technology and hard polyethylene armor products.
This action will also strengthen the position of DSM Dyneema in the market for high performance protective products. As a follow-up to a provisional court order on patent infringement recently issued against the same company, a Bailiff seized various products that the offending company was displaying on its stand at the Eurosatory international exhibition on defense and security in Paris.
According to Christian Widdershoven global vice president Life Protection at DSM Dyneema, the successful action is a further confirmation of DSM’s policy to continuously and actively protect its innovations and intellectual property rights from infringements: “We continue to vigorously defend our IP position to demonstrate that DSM Dyneema remains committed to offer a valuable mix of high performance products combined with intellectual asset protection, including patents, know-how, service and innovation for its partners,” he says. DSM’s patent portfolio related to UHMWPE fiber, tape, sheets, technology and applications currently consists of over 150 inventions protected by over 600 filed patents and patent applications worldwide, and this is expanding continuously.
Mr. Widdershoven concludes: “This significant portfolio confirms our continuous commitment to innovation and demonstrates our ability to find innovative solutions for the changing needs in the markets we serve.” UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema, branded as Dyneema®, is light enough to float on water but is also 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers. It is used in diverse applications including bullet-resistant armor and clothing, ropes, cables and nets and safety gloves.
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.
