Kaneka Has Filed a Trade Mark Infringement Lawsuit in the Field of Flame Retardant Products against Rivals in the United Kingdom

Kaneka Corporation (headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Mr. Kimikazu Sugawara) announced today that it has filed a trade mark infringement lawsuit on 22 July 2011 in the High Court of England and Wales in London, Case No. Hc11C02519.

Kaneka’s lawsuit accuses Future Garments Limited and Eurox (UK) Limited of infringing Kaneka’s registered UK and European Community trade marks for PROTEX® (UK1455980 and  CTM3436193).

Kaneka Corporation is the global leader in high quality, flame retardant fibre and PROTEX® is the registered trade mark of specialised modacrylic fibre produced by Kaneka Corporation.PROTEX® fibre is enhanced flame retardant fibre that, when mixed with cotton, polyester and other conventional fibres, improves flame retardancy while at the same time retaining original fibre characteristics of softness and natural appearance. Today, PROTEX® fibre is a primary material in the protective clothing, bedding, upholstery, drapery and sleepwear.

The new lawsuit continues Kaneka’s worldwide enforcement policy for the protection of its intellectual property rights. “Kaneka has been the leading developer of many innovative and cutting edge improvements in the production and quality of flame retardant fibres,” said Mr. Hidesuke Amachi, General Manager of Kanekalon Division at Kaneka. He added: “Kaneka will vigorously defend these rights and will not hesitate to initiate court proceedings to protect its intellectual property.” Mr. Amachi emphasised that “Kaneka’s goal is to protect the results of its research and development and to avoid the unauthorised use of its innovations.”