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Expert's Opinion

Strengthening Competitiveness Through Patent Protection in the Nonwovens Industry

Reifenhäuser Reicofil emphasizes the importance of patent rights for innovation and market security.

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By: Markus Müller

Senior Sales Consultant, Reifenhäuser Reicofil GmbH & Co. KG

At a time when global competition in the nonwovens industry is intensifying due to technological advances and growing markets, patent rights are more important than ever. Markus Müller, Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Reicofil, emphasizes that patents not only offer a decisive competitive advantage, but also ensure legal certainty for manufacturers and their customers.

An outstanding example is the production of asymmetrical composite nonwovens, which are widely used in the hygiene and medical industries. These special structures, such as SSMMMS, SSMMS or SSMS, are protected by Mitsui’s EP 1 980 390 patent.

Another example is a nonwoven fabric, also patented by Mitsui, which consists of Melt Blown filaments, or a proportion of the nonwoven consists of Melt Blown filaments. This patent (EP 2 650 419 B1 and other family members) covers nonwovens with an average fiber diameter of <2 μm and meeting certain quality requirements which are typical of modern production methods and standard product features. Many products manufactured on SMMS, SSMMS, SMMMS or similar lines are likely to infringe this Mitsui patent. 

By working closely with Mitsui, Reicofil has acquired licenses that allow it to market systems to produce these nonwovens without the risk of patent infringement. Thus, Reicofil customers can manufacture and distribute products such as SSMMMS without legal concerns. On the other hand, companies that source nonwovens produced by copycats expose themselves to the risk of costly patent litigation.

The legal implications for marketing and the use of machines for patented products are manifold. Without the consent of the patent owner, this can constitute patent infringement. Even in countries where the patent does not apply, it could be considered unfair competition. However, Reicofil has its own product patents and the necessary licenses and rights to ensure that their customers can use these advanced production technologies without compromising their competitive integrity.

In an industry where innovation and legal protection must go hand in hand, patent protection is an indispensable tool. Reifenhäuser Reicofil is committed to providing its customers with not only efficiency and quality, but also the assurance that their investments are protected in the long term.

For more information and to ensure compliance, please contact Reicofil legal@reifenhauser.com.

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Why Patents Rights are More Important than Ever in the Nonwovens Industry

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