The mechanical engineering companies Acma S.p.A., Theegarten-Pactec GmbH & Co. KG, and Loesch Verpackungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG have published a joint statement in which they warn of alleged replicas of their packaging machines. The companies consider this to be an impermissible imitation of their own developments and announce legal action against manufacturers and suppliers of corresponding systems.
According to the three companies, machines and, in some cases, complete production lines have recently appeared which, in the manufacturers„ opinion, represent “blatant imitations of original models". The similarities reportedly concern not only technical functions, but also constructive details and design features which, from the companies' perspective, are not technically necessary.
Companies see infringement of their own rights
In their joint statement, Acma, Theegarten-Pactec and Loesch Verpackungstechnik explain that the observed machines do not coincidentally exhibit similarities to the original models. Rather, these are the result of „intentional endeavours“. According to the companies, core components as well as smaller, non-functionally relevant details are being copied.
The companies emphasise that their machines are based on long-standing investments in research, development and design. The alleged imitations would allow competitors to offer similar equipment at lower prices without comparable development costs.
Notes to customers and operators
The statement is expressly also aimed at customers in the industry. According to the companies, not only manufacturers and sellers of such machinery, but potentially also buyers or users of such equipment could be involved in legal disputes.
Furthermore, the three mechanical engineering companies point out that, in their view, the acquisition of such systems supports the illegal use of the results of many years of research and development work. At the same time, Acma, Theegarten-Pactec and Loesch Verpackungstechnik emphasise the importance of fair competition and transparent business relationships.
The companies also stated that they had already initiated measures to pursue possible infringements of rights and to enforce their own protective rights. Further details on specific manufacturers or processes were not mentioned in the published statement.
Source: Loesch Packaging Technology GmbH + Co. KG
