Solstice Advanced Materials has issued a statement reaffirming its intellectual property position regarding processes for manufacturing HFO-1234ze, following an announcement by another chemical company about plans to introduce HFO-1234ze and blends containing the refrigerant.
The company said it believes key elements of its patent portfolio are relevant to HFO-1234ze manufacturing processes. Solstice also stated that it has not licensed any manufacturing-related intellectual property to other companies.
Solstice said its patent portfolio covers compositions, applications and manufacturing processes, with staggered expiration dates reflecting research and development conducted over several decades. According to the company, challenges to its intellectual property rights by manufacturers in proceedings worldwide have largely been unsuccessful.
The company said it monitors the global HFO market and competitive activity, investigates potential infringement and engages with customers, suppliers and competitors on intellectual property issues. These activities have resulted in customs seizures, regulatory and criminal complaints, infringement actions, settlements and public acknowledgments of its intellectual property by customers and suppliers.
“Solstice continues to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights worldwide and remains committed to preserving the integrity of the marketplace in which it has invested so heavily. Solstice has invested over $1 billion and decades of effort to develop HFO technologies and bring them successfully to market. It is only with fair returns on investment that Solstice can continue to solve our customers’ most challenging problems and bring to market next-generation solutions.”
