The High Performance Plastics Company (President : Akira Asano) of SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President and Representative Director: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announces that it will enforce the patent injunction granted by the Munich District Court against Kuraray Europe GmbH ("Kuraray Europe"), effective 5 November 2025.
On 17 April 2025, the Munich District Court issued a ruling in favour of SEKISUI CHEMICAL (Docket No. 7 O 12401/24), ordering Kuraray Europe to cease manufacturing, offering, using, placing on the market, importing or possessing its products, 'Trosifol The Wedge Acoustic' and 'Trosifol The Wedge Acoustic Shadeband' (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Kuraray Products”), in Germany, due to infringement of claim 1 of European Patent EP 2 017 237 B2 ('EP’237'), which relates to a wedge-shaped multilayer film of PVB interlayer. The decision is preliminarily enforceable against security.
Kuraray Europe appealed the decision and appeal proceedings are currently pending before the Munich Court of Appeals (Docket No. 6 U 1589/25 e). A nullity action against the German portion of EP'237 is pending before the Federal Patent Court (Docket No. 3 Ni 2/25 (EP)).
Following careful consideration, SEKISUI CHEMICAL has decided to enforce the injunction by putting in place the necessary security. From 5 November 2025, Kuraray Europe will be prohibited from manufacturing, offering, using, placing on the market, importing, or possessing the aforementioned Kuraray products in Germany.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL's decision is supported by the Federal Patent Court's positive preliminary opinion on the validity of EP'237, issued on 22 October 2025. The opinion expressed the view that EP'237, as granted, is valid, and that none of Kuraray Europe's validity challenges are of merit. A hearing is scheduled for 14 April 2026.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group regards its intellectual property rights as an important management resource. It will continue to take strict action in cases where it determines that our intellectual property rights have been infringed.
About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group
Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 155 companies throughout 20 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Corporate Communication Department
Email: kouhou@sekisui.com
Disclaimer
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors.