26.6.2024 22:35:28 CEST | Tekna Holding ASA | Additional regulated information
required to be disclosed under the laws of a member state
ARENDAL, NO / SHERBROOKE, QC. 26 June 2024 - Tekna Holding ASA (Tekna, OSE:
TEKNA), a world-leading provider of advanced materials to industry, today
announced a significant victory in a major patent litigation case against AP&C,
a subsidiary of GE Aerospace.
In a decisive judgement released today, the Federal Court of Canada has ruled
overwhelmingly in favor of Tekna Plasma Systems Inc. ("Tekna") in an
Intellectual Property case concerning competing patent rights to produce
titanium powder in Canada. The 244-page ruling confirms that Tekna does not
infringe any of Advanced Powders & Coatings Inc.("AP&C")'s patents at issue.
Furthermore, it was ruled that AP&C's Canadian patent no. 3,003,502 is, and has
always been, invalid and void, and that AP&C's Canadian patent no. 3,051,236 is
also invalid except for a few select claims that are not infringed by Tekna in
any event.
The judge indicated: "I conclude the '502 Patent is invalid and is not infringed
by Tekna. Most of the claims of the '236 Patent are similarly invalid and none
of its claims are infringed. Tekna's action seeking declarations of invalidity
and non-infringement in respect of the '502 Patent is therefore granted. AP&C's
counterclaim seeking declarations that Tekna has infringed the '502 Patent and
the '236 Patent is dismissed."
"Our victory today is a testament to our resilience and relentless pursuit of
innovation. We remain committed to delivering superior products and services to
our customers, confident in our ability to overcome any challenge," said Luc
Dionne, CEO of Tekna. He continues: "The court ruling validates our position and
secures our commercial freedom. It further strengthens our reputation as a
trusted supplier, ensuring we can continue delivering our flagship product
without legal hindrance. Titanium powder accounts for an important percentage of
Tekna's additive materials revenues today, and will be a vital part of our
continued growth going forward.
"We are thrilled with this outcome, as it solidifies Tekna's market position and
showcases the company's unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. This
ruling motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries in additive
manufacturing, reinforcing our leadership and defending our integrity as a
world-class provider of materials for the industry," said Dag Teigland, Chair of
the Board of Tekna Holding ASA.
The litigation was initiated by Tekna in January 2019, seeking a declaration
that AP&C's 3,003,502 Patent had always been invalid and was not infringed by
Tekna. Tekna stated in the initial Court filing that this was to dissipate any
uncertainty as to Tekna's ability to pursue its titanium powder material
manufacturing activities in Canada.
"This ruling proves our expertise in creating high-quality titanium powder. Our
team successfully exposed the flaws in the competing patents, showcasing our
ability to navigate through complex scientific challenges", says Richard Dolbec,
Program Director Emerging Technologies.
Reference is made to the Tekna Holding ASA 2023 Board of Directors' report (page
25 of the Annual Report 2023). Patent invalidated: CA3,003,502 titled "Metal
powder atomization manufacturing processes". Patent partially invalidated:
CA3,051,236 with the same title.
DISCLOSURE REGULATION
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
CONTACTS
* Arina Van Oost, Investor Relations | VP Corporate Strategic Development &
Innovation, Tekna Holding ASA, +33670115190, investors@tekna.com
ABOUT TEKNA HOLDING ASA
Tekna is a world-leading provider of advanced materials to industry,
headquartered in Sherbrooke, Canada.
Tekna produces high-purity metal powders for applications such as 3D printing in
the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors, as well as optimized induction
plasma systems for industrial research and production. With its unique,
IP-protected plasma technology, the company is well positioned in the growing
market for advanced nanomaterials within the electronics and batteries
industries.
Building on 30 years of delivering excellence, Tekna is a global player
recognized for its quality products and its commitment to its large base of
multinational blue-chip customers. Tekna's powder products increase productivity
and enable more efficient use of materials, thereby paving the way towards a
more resilient supply chain and circular economy.
https://www.tekna.com
ATTACHMENTS
Download announcement as PDF.pdf -
https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/ir-files/17847682/3119/4705/Download%20announcement
%20as%20PDF.pdf
LINKS
Federal Court of Canada - Judgement released 26 June 2024 -
https://2094793.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2094793/Investor%20pages/T-
126-19_20240607_JR_E_O_OTT_20240626131743_MC2_2024_FC_871.pdf