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Hannover, April 13, 2016 –Solvay has won two rare earth mixed oxide patent cases against UK-based Molycorp Chemicals & Oxides Ltd in the German Court of Düsseldorf.
The verdict is subject to appeal, but Solvay is entitled to provisionally execute the judgment on past infringing acts from the UK affiliate of U.S. rare earth and rare metals group Molycorp Inc. in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
The regional court handed down two first instance verdicts on March 3rd, 2016, stating that Molycorp Chemicals & Oxides had infringed the German parts of two European patents belonging to Solvay affiliates Rhodia Operations and Rhodia Chimie.
The court found that three products of three grades of cerium containing oxides sold by Molycorp into Germany infringed at least one of the Solvay patents. In addition, the court held that the proceedings filed by Molycorp in the German Federal Patent Court alleging invalidity of the two patents, do not have high chances of success.
Rare earthsmixed oxides are used in applications including the manufacturing of automotive exhaust gas catalysts to abate noxious gases from the engine exhaust. Everstricter air quality standards require ever more complex formulated rare earth mixed oxides. Solvay’s Optalys™ rare earth mixed oxides product range offers tailor-made solutions for all types of automotive catalysts and contributes to cleaner mobility.
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 30,900 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).
