DSM Dyneema has successfully defended a key patent before the European Patent Office (EPO) Opposition Division.
Teijin Aramid had challenged EPO’s previous grant of DSM Dyneema’s European patent (EP1575758B), which covers pressed products based on specific improved Uni Directional (UD) systems, typically designed and used in high end armor applications such as helmets, inserts, and vehicle armor. DSM’s technology aims at pressed products with improved performance at higher temperatures, while still maintaining good performance at ambient temperature.
On September 15th, DSM Dyneema addressed the challenge at an oral hearing in The Hague, Netherlands. The EPO was convinced by DSM Dyneema’s arguments, and dismissed the opposition, concluding that the patent, covering one of DSM Dyneema’s key innovations, will be maintained as granted. As a result, the patent remains in force. The patent covers pressed products based on specific UD systems therewith protecting DSM and its customers’ products against unlawful copying.
DSM Dyneema President Golnar Motahari Pour says, “Innovation and the protection of our intellectual property through patents are the cornerstones of DSM Dyneema’s innovation strategy. This challenge shows that third parties recognize the quality and value of our patents, and we are pleased to have this quality reconfirmed by the European Patent Office.”