SYMPHONY
Dispute with EPI over degradable additives ends / Court says technology not copied
A London High Court has ruled that Symphony Plastic Technologies (Boreham Wood WD6 1LE; www.degradable.net) does not use additive technology copied from the Canada-based company EPI Environmental Products (Vancouver; www.epi-global.com) in its degradable packaging films. The judgement ends a long-running dispute over intellectual property for degradable additives that started in the summer of 2003 following breakdown of a sales agreement between the two companies. The technologies are termed “d2w” by Symphony and “TDPA” (Totally Degradable Plastic Additive) by EPI.
Eleven claims were brought against Symphony by EPI, of which only two were upheld. On one claim related to the return of documents, Symphony has been ordered to pay a symbolic GBP 2.00 (EUR 2.89). The other concerns the use of stock. This remains to be assessed by the court, although Symphony expects that it will not have to pay a significant amount. EPI has been ordered to pay 85% of Symphony´s legal costs.
Eleven claims were brought against Symphony by EPI, of which only two were upheld. On one claim related to the return of documents, Symphony has been ordered to pay a symbolic GBP 2.00 (EUR 2.89). The other concerns the use of stock. This remains to be assessed by the court, although Symphony expects that it will not have to pay a significant amount. EPI has been ordered to pay 85% of Symphony´s legal costs.
10.02.2005 Plasteurope.com [202003]
Published on 10.02.2005