Eastman Wins Patent Infringement Case Filed by Wellman in September, 2007
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb 04, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Copyright Business Wire 2010
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) said today that the United States
District Court in Wilmington, Del., has ruled in favor of Eastman in a
patent infringement lawsuit filed by Wellman, Inc. The court's decision
that held two Wellman patents invalid ended the case which was scheduled
to go to trial February 17, 2010.
In September 2007, Wellman filed a lawsuit against Eastman in U.S.
District Court claiming that Eastman's manufacture of certain ParaStar(TM)
PET resins infringed two Wellman patents. The ruling confirms that
Eastman continues to be free to practice its independent and innovative
technology used to make its ParaStar(TM) products.
"We are certainly pleased by the court's ruling," said Ron Lindsay,
executive vice president responsible for Eastman's Performance Polymers
business segment. "We have consistently said that we consider the claim
filed by Wellman to be without merit, a position which has been affirmed
by today's order. Moreover, we have always believed in the value and
defensibility of our IntegRex(TM) PET technology."
Theresa Lee, Eastman's Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer,
agreed. "Not only will we continue to defend the company against
meritless infringement charges from others, but we will also continue to
vigorously defend our innovative proprietary technology."
In 2006, Eastman introduced ParaStar(TM) as the next generation of
PET resins. Used in a variety of beverage packaging applications, these
innovative resins offer enhanced bottle clarity, product purity,
production and supply chain efficiencies, as well as significant
environmental benefits.
Eastman's chemicals, fibers and plastics are used as key ingredients in
products that people use every day. Approximately 10,000 Eastman
employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to
deliver practical solutions. The company is committed to finding
sustainable business opportunities within the diverse markets it serves.
A global company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had
2009 sales of $5.0 billion. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
SOURCE: Eastman Chemical Company
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