Solvay wins two rare earth mixed oxides patent cases against HySci in China

Solvay has won two rare earth mixed oxides patent cases against China-based HySci (Tianjin) Specialty Materials Co Ltd. Solvay was awarded RMB 5.6 million (Euro 0.67 million) in damages and HySci was ordered to immediately stop the production and the sale of certain rare earth mixed oxides used in automotive catalysts.
 
The court of first instance, the Tianjin High Court, ruled on December 11, 2013 that HySci's production and sale of certain rare earths mixed oxides infringed Solvay's patents, starting in 2004.The Court ordered HySci to immediately discontinue the production and sale of 7 mixed oxides grades that were found to be infringing Solvay patents.
 
Separately and in a final decision, the Beijing High Court ruled in favour of Solvay by confirming the validity of its patent number ZL96196505.3. The case had been brought by HySci which claimed that the patent was invalid. The Court's ruling confirms the earlier decision by China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) to reject HySci's patent invalidation request.
 
“We are pleased with these two landmark rulings in China as they will strengthen Solvay's Intellectual Property (IP) rights position in one of the world's main growth markets for rare earth mixed oxides. IP enforcement is essential to support Solvay's long-term research and development for higher performance and value-added mixed oxides. It also helps to ensure a level playing field for our customers,” said Du Hua, President Solvay Rare Earth Systems.