The Textile Effects division of Huntsman Corporation announced it has obtained a judgment from the Intermediate People's Court in Shanghai, China, against Shanghai Colva Dyestuff Industry Co., Ltd. (“Colva”), a manufacturer of textile dyes and intermediates in China, for infringing Chinese Patent No. ZL00106403.7 belonging to Huntsman. Colva is a member of Zhejiang Longsheng Group, which also has majority ownership of the Dystar Group.
In its judgment the court found Colva liable for infringing Huntsman’s Chinese Patent, by manufacturing, and selling Colvazol Super Black LC-G and Colvazol Super Black LC-R. The order specifies that Colva is to stop infringing Huntsman’s Chinese Patent No. ZL00106403.7 and pay damages to Huntsman. Huntsman’s patent was duly registered with the State Intellectual Property Office in 2004 as a true innovation for producing deep black shades.
Colva’s infringing products, Colvazol Super Black LC-G and Colvazol Super Black LC-R, have been found at textile mills in several countries, resulting in significant commercial damage to Huntsman’s Textile Effects division. Samples of the infringing products were collected and analyzed by independent laboratories to support and substantiate the patent infringement action.
Steve Gray, Huntsman Textile Effects Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Planning said: “Huntsman is fully committed to protecting its intellectual property rights in all countries where it operates and where its products are marketed and sold. It will continue its relentless efforts to ensure that any infringements are rigorously and legally pursued.”
“This judgment is significant, as well as being a landmark ruling for Huntsman. It confirms to the world that the Chinese courts are ready, willing and able to protect and uphold valuable intellectual property rights of both domestic and multinational companies. This will further encourage companies like Huntsman to continue in innovative research and development of new products.” Mr Gray continues.
Huntsman’s continuous focus on innovation has enabled it to achieve better fastness properties, higher durability and functionality while achieving economic and environmental sustainability for its customers. As a global provider of high quality dyes and chemicals to the textile and related industries, Huntsman Textile Effects currently invests five percent of its annual turnover in product innovation.
Huntsman has been granted patent protection for NOVACRON Super Black G and NOVACRON Super Black R, in many countries. Making, using, importing or selling non-Huntsman products that use Huntsman’s patented NOVACRON Super Black G and NOVACRON Super Black R chemistry in those countries is an infringing act.
Companies that operate textile dyes business, and those that source from the textile supply chain, should exercise due care to avoid any infringement risk. We would be happy to support our customers and textile value chain partners by answering any questions that they may have relating to this issue.
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