Valence Technology Inc. has won its Canadian patent infringement lawsuit (Tuesday February 17, 2011) regarding its proprietary carbothermal reduction technology (CTR), which Valences uses to make lithium iron (magnesium) phosphate as well as other lithium-based active materials for Li-ion batteries. The Canadian patent in question is number 2,395,115. The link to this patent may be found here:
Canadian Patent 2,395,115 (Inventors: J. Barker et al.)
The lawsuit was filed against Phostech Lithium Inc. and the judgment entitles Valence to an injunction, an election of either an accounting of profits or damages, reasonable compensation and costs. The Valence press release for this announcement may be found here:
Valence Technology Victorious in Patent Infringement Lawsuit
The CTR invention was invented and developed by Jerry Barker and co-workers as the most economical process for the manufacturing of lithium metal phosphates for battery applications. Valence has been using this technology for several years to make its lithium iron magnesium phosphate material.
Interestingly, the Phostech PR team have been working overtime to put the best spin on the announcement:
Phostech Lithium Inc. Press Release
In summary, however this judgement must be seen as a serious blow to both Phostech Lithium and its parent company, Sud-Chemie. More information on the judgement from the website, Green Car Congress, may be found here:
Green Car Congress: Valence wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Jerry
