Sumitomo Rubber : Settles Patent Infringement Suit against German Emergency Tire Puncture Repair Kit Manufacturer
February 27, 2015 at 12:28 am EST
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Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI) is pleased to announce that, in the matter of the patent infringement suit brought against TERRA-S Automotive Systems GmbH, a German manufacturer of emergency tire puncture repair kits, both parties have reached a mutual settlement.
SRI had initially filed the patent infringement suit in April of 2011 in response to the unauthorized use by TERRA-S Automotive Systems GmbH of a technology which in our view was covered by our company's patent rights (German part DE 50207480.9 of European patent EP 1 291 158) in emergency tire puncture repair kits. However, having reached a final agreement in our settlement negotiations with TERRA-S Automotive Systems GmbH, we have decided to withdraw the action.
SRI has already received patents for the technology that was the subject of this infringement suit in Germany, the United States and many other countries around the world, where it has received a great deal of interest and acclaim. As we consider our intellectual property rights to be an invaluable asset to our company, we will continue to actively ensure the integrity and promote the utilization of our intellectual property as we continue to develop new cutting-edge technologies.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is a Japan-based tire manufacturer. The Company operates in three business segments. The Tire segment manufactures and sells tires and tubes for automobiles, construction vehicles, industrial vehicles, race rallies and motorcycles. The Sports segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of sports items, including golf clubs, golf balls and other golf-related supplies, and tennis-related supplies, as well as the operation of golf tournaments, golf and tennis schools and fitness center. The Industrial Products and Others segment offers vibration suppression dampers, printing blankets, medical precision rubber, slope for wheelchair, and fenders, among others.