Patent infringement and claims of IP theft by DuPont, on rival materials supplier Heraeus and customer SolarWorld, were put in question by the accused as the legal spat continued to be played-out in public. Heraeus said in a strongly worded statement that DuPont was attempting to threaten customers over possible legal action, while Heraeus believes DuPont is attempting to discredit Heraeus' products with misleading information.
“Heraeus is a worldwide innovation leader with a portfolio of more than 6,000 patents. We stand behind our innovative products and we will continue to produce our paste products at sites worldwide and supply them to our customers without making misleading statements or threats to our competitors,” said Andy London, global manager for the photovoltaic business unit. “Our unique silver technology has changed the way cell producers view the metallization component of solar cells, and our customers understand that we bring great value to the PV industry. We plan to continue to help make solar cell production a profitable venture for them far into the future.”
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The company also contested DuPont’s most recent press release claims of IP theft, believing that it contradicted ‘DuPont’s posture in the current litigation and may violate the law. In its complaints – prepared under oath – relating to the ‘254 or ‘504 patents, DuPont does not allege willfulness against Heraeus. Therefore, DuPont has effectively admitted that it has no support for any allegations of copying or “theft” of its allegedly patented pastes, according to the Heraeus press statement.