Japan’s Zeon Corporation says it has filed a lawsuit recently in the District Court of Munich, Germany, against Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH (Arlanxeo), a manufacturer and supplier of lithium-ion battery materials, for infringement of Zeon’s German patent on lithium-ion battery materials, and seeks an injunction against further infringement as well as compensation for damages related to Arlanxeo’s manufacture and sale of the relevant products in Germany.
This lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages against acts including the manufacture and sale in Germany of Arlanxeo products that Zeon deems have been manufactured and sold using Zeon’s patented technology on cathode binders for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and other products.
The lawsuit targets activities defined as working under the Patent Act and was filed to protect important intellectual property rights associated with technology that Zeon has actively invested in to develop its business. Zeon believes this action will contribute to achieving sound development and maintaining order in the lithium-ion battery materials industry.
Zeon adds its cathode binders were the first non-fluorine binders adopted by the industry and have been widely supported and recognized by lithium-ion battery manufacturers.
It says it has been producing various types of materials for lithium-ion batteries, including cathode binders and anodes, by applying proprietary technologies developed over many years ahead of its competitors, and continues to engage in significant investments and business development.
Furthermore, Zeon says it has addressed the expanding global battery market by establishing a timely and stable system for supplying products from its worldwide bases to ensure that customers can use its products with confidence, while proactively protecting and utilising its intellectual property rights, including numerous patents for lithium-ion battery materials.
It further added, “Zeon will not tolerate any future acts of manufacturing, selling, or using products based on the use of Zeon’s patented technology without permission and will seek liability for and take appropriate action against any and all such infringements”.