November 30,
2005
Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation
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Initiation of action seeking cessation of
spandex patent infringement by Hyosung Corporation
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Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation today initiated legal action in the Seoul Central
District Court seeking a court order for Hyosung Corporation to cease and desist
infringement of a patent related to elastic polyurethane (spandex) filament.
The patent of Asahi Kasei Fibers, Korean Patent No. 131106, is related to polyurethane
material composition to enable production of spandex filament with greatly improved
chlorine resistance. The principal application of chlorine-resistant spandex
is swimwear.
Asahi Kasei Fibers has purchased through commercial channels “type H250” chlorine-resistant
grade spandex produced by Hyosung. The decision to proceed with legal action
was reached after an examination of this product indicated that its composition
was consistent with that protected by the patent.
Patents protecting the same technology are also held by Asahi Kasei Fibers in
Japan, the US, Germany, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Singapore.
If the existence of any infringement by any party is ascertained in these territories,
Asahi Kasei Fibers will exercise all recourse to uphold its rights.
The action initiated today and any similar action which may be forthcoming with
respect to chlorine-resistant spandex filament are in accordance with standing
Asahi Kasei Fibers policy to obtain, secure, and utilize intellectual property
as a key element underpinning the company’s development and growth as a
high-performance, technology-oriented supplier.
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