The mechanical engineering company Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) from Lengerich has settled a patent dispute with a Chinese manufacturer. The dispute centred on eight property rights relating to the Convertex, a machine for manufacturing woven bags. As part of the settlement, the manufacturer in question undertook to cease production and sales of the relevant systems and to pay compensation.
„We are very satisfied with the outcome of this dispute and feel vindicated,“ explained CEO Dr Falco Paepenmüller. According to the company, the infringed patents safeguard essential functions of Convertex - from perforation of the tubular material to ejection of faulty bags - and thus contribute to production speed, quality and flexibility.
Significance for customers and the industry
W&H emphasises that the protection of intellectual property is not only crucial for its own market position, but also for customers who invest in patented technologies. Although the company refrained from taking legal action against buyers of machines that have already been delivered in this case, it announced that it reserves the right to take action in the future.
Chief Sales Officer Dr Sascha Witt emphasised that the agreement was also in the interests of users: „Respect for intellectual property is a basis for fair competition and sustainable innovation in our industry.“
Source: Windmöller & Hölscher
