Aug 16 2007
Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in the development and marketing of innovative flame retardants and other specialty chemicals, announced today that it has filed a patent infringement action against Isochem Kautschuk GmbH, ("Isochem"). The action was filed in District Court Dusseldorf, Germany and asserts that Isochem has infringed Albemarle's intellectual property, specifically the company's German patent, DE 69105046 of European Patent No. 0 460 922. The patent protects Albemarle's proprietary and highly effective commercial process for producing its SAYTEX(R) 8010 flame retardant.
The suit alleges that Isochem has violated Albemarle's patent by importing into and offering for sale in Germany flame retardant products that were produced using the patented process. According to German law, it is illegal to import into, to offer for sale or to use within Germany products that are produced by a process that is protected by a German patent.
Dr. Thorsten Vormann, LL.M., of the internationally recognized Clifford Chance law firm, will represent Albemarle in the case.
"Albemarle Corporation is recognized globally for its proactive commitment to developing innovative, value-added products and services to the marketplace," commented Dr. Vormann. "The company views its dedication to innovation as one of its core assets and will rigorously protect the creative and intellectual property of its employees against any encroachment attempts, intentional or accidental. We are confident that the German courts will uphold the validity and enforceability of this patent and look forward to presenting our case in the near future."