WATERFORD, N.Y.—Momentive Performance Materials Inc. has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the Chinese court system against Dongguan Hungpai Shoe Material Manufacturing Co. Ltd and Jingdezhen Hungpai Chemical Technology Co. Ltd, the U.S. company said on June 25.
Momentive said the lawsuit alleges that Hungpai is making and selling a product in violation of a Momentive patent for NXT silane and requests injunctive relief and damages.
“We take protection of our intellectual property very seriously and Momentive will vigorously enforce those rights to the fullest extent of the law,” said Stephen Psutka, Momentive interim general counsel.
Momentive's patented NXT silane can help manufacturers improve tire rolling resistance and traction to drive lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Momentive said in its statement that it has invested millions of dollars and spent many years developing its NXT silane technology and demonstrating its efficacy in tire and rubber applications.
“Momentive depends on patents to ensure it can recoup its investment in high-risk new product development ventures that prove to be successful,” said Ian Moore, senior vice president at Momentive.