Outotec submitted application for summons against Outokumpu Oyj in a patent dispute regarding a new invention in ferroalloys technology
OUTOTEC OYJÂ PRESS RELEASEÂ Â JANUARY 24, 2013Â at 6.30 PM
Outotec submitted application for summons against Outokumpu Oyj in a patent
dispute regarding a new invention in ferroalloys technology
Outotec has submitted the Helsinki district court an application for summons
requesting the district court to confirm Outotec's rights to a new invention
relating to ferroalloys technology, for which Outokumpu has applied for a patent
without Outotec's permission. Outotec claims that all rights to the invention
belong to Outotec. In the event that Outotec's main claim is rejected, Outotec
demands compensation for damages from Outokumpu.
Outotec has developed methods for processing ferroalloys for decades. Since the
separation of Outotec from its former parent company Outokumpu in 2006 the
companies have continued technology cooperation in various forms.
"We have operated in a well-established and confidential business relationship
with Outokumpu. The invention in dispute has been developed by Outotec at our
Pori research center in Finland, and in our opinion the rights to this invention
and the related patents belong to us. Through this invention, significant
savings can be achieved in the production costs of stainless steel, and
therefore the method is important for Outotec in terms of future sales",
explains Kari Knuutila, Chief Technology Officer of Outotec.
It is estimated that the patent dispute will not impact Outotec's financial
result in 2013.
For further information please contact:
OUTOTEC
Kari Knuutila, CTO
Tel. +358 20 529 2009, mobile +358 40 779 9566
Sami Lindström, General Counsel
Tel. +358 20 529 2032
Emails: firstname.lastname@outotec.com
DISTRIBUTION:
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www.outotec.com
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Source: Outotec Oyj via Thomson Reuters ONE
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