Chemical giant Arkema has taken legal action against Japan-based HighChem Co., Ltd., alleging infringement of two patents linked to HFO-1233zd(E), a fluorinated compound used in insulation and refrigeration applications.

 

Arkema said a patent infringement lawsuit was filed on July 21, 2026, against HighChem before the Tokyo District Court.

 

The company is seeking an injunction against HighChem’s import and sale, among other acts, of HFO-1233zd(E), also known as trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene.

 

The case centers on two Japanese patents held by Arkema:

 

Japanese Patent No. 6149000, covering blowing agents used in thermosetting foams, including polyurethane foams.

 

Japanese Patent No. 6205392, covering heat-transfer fluid compositions used as refrigerants.

 

Arkema said it intends to continue taking measures, including legal action, to protect its intellectual property rights.

 

The company describes its fluorinated-products portfolio as serving refrigeration, thermal management, insulation and specialty applications. It says continued innovation is aimed at helping customers improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and shift toward lower-global-warming-potential technologies.

 

The lawsuit marks another step in Arkema’s efforts to defend its intellectual property around technologies used in next-generation insulation and cooling applications.