Hannover, August 17, 2016 – Solvay affiliates Rhodia Opérations and Anan Kasei have filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales against UK-based Molycorp Chemicals and Oxides (Europe) Ltd on April 13, 2016, claiming infringement of Anan Kasei’s patent EP 1435338 B1 by Molycorp. The patent covers certain high surface-area ceric oxides and catalysts for purifying automotive exhaust gases containing such ceric oxide.
Solvay has already won, in first instance, two rare earth mixed oxide patent cases against UK-based Molycorp Chemicals & Oxides (Europe) Ltd in the German District Court of Düsseldorf in March 2016. These decisions have been appealed by Molycorp.
Rare earth oxides are used in applications including the manufacturing of automotive catalysts to abate noxious gases from engine exhaust. Ever stricter air quality standards require increasingly complex formulated rare earth oxides. Solvay’s OPTALYS® and ACTALYS® rare earth oxide product range offers tailor-made solutions for all types of automotive catalysts and contributes significantly to cleaner mobility.
A link to the patent specification is provided herewith:
About Solvay Special Chem
Solvay Special Chem is world leader in selected specialties based on Fluorine, Rare Earths, Strontium and Barium. The GBU leverages its distinctive knowledge to provide specialized products and solutions to selected industries, such as: rare earth-based formulations for use in automotive catalysts, luminophores and polishing; NOCOLOK® fluxes for automotive heat exchangers; Solkane® 365 as foam blowing agent in thermal insulation foams; fluorinated intermediates for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals; process chemicals for semiconductors; barium salts for electronic passive components, etc.
About Solvay
An international chemical and advanced materials company, Solvay assists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high-value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,000 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of € 12.4 bn in 2015, with 90% made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB:BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR).
