In a statement from Innovia, the firm said that both companies have collaborated to achieve a mutually agreeable outcome, ensuring a strong patent position for Frito-Lay and the ability for Innovia Films to practice under the patents including the use or resale of Innovia's products by their global customers for bio-based multi-layer films.
Background
The firms had been locked in a legal fight over which company owned the patent rights to biodegradable films used in packaging for crisp and snack bags. Last year Frito-Lay filed a US civil lawsuit against Innovia in a bid to resolve the long-running row over the patent bio-based film patents.
FoodProcutiondaily.com reported that both firms declared that they developed the specialist technology for the films and had laid claim to the ground-breaking and lucrative packaging. The dispute came six years after the firms agreed to work together on the project.
Issue resolved
Speaking about the resolved legal issue, Innovia Films chief executive David Beeby said: "We are very pleased that we have been able to resolve this issue in an open and constructive manner.? It also means that Innovia is able to accelerate our product development and supply of NatureFlex renewable and compostable films for bio-based multi-layer applications."
Frito-Lay told PN : "We have no comment beyond the statement."
