On February 2, 2021, the Patent Reexamination Board of the Chinese Patent Office ruled in Solvay's favor on a patent invalidation case filed by Zhejiang Fluorine Chemical New Material Co. Ltd. (“Fluorine”) against a patent pertaining to certain polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) materials specifically tailored for use as binders or separator/separators’ components in batteries, and to method of making the same. 

 

The Guangzhou IP Court had already accepted last May 2020 a claim by Solvay that Fluorine was infringing Solvay's patent No. 200880019571.2 by supplying Zheflon FL2100 PVDF material and using the patented process in China. The infringement action had been stayed by pending the decision of the Patent Reexamination Board. As validity has now been conclusively established, the infringement proceedings before Guangzhou IP Court have been resumed. Solvay will seek injunction prohibiting Fluorine from exploiting the infringing PVDF Materials, and will seek damages for the infringement.

 

Respect of intellectual property rights is essential for free and healthy competition. Solvay will continue to take action to enforce its rights against infringers. Solvay will help its customers to cope with any difficulties due to exposure to corresponding compliance risks by Fluorine.