US Court allows INVISTA to proceed with suit against BDO licensor Frontech
Frontech to go to trial for alleged misappropriation of INVISTA trade secrets
The U.S. District Court recently ruled in favor of INVISTA and paved the way for it to proceed with its lawsuit against Houston-based Frontech Inc. for misappropriating and illicitly marketing INVISTA’s technology to Chinese butanediol (BDO) manufacturing companies.
INVISTA filed suit against BDO licensor Frontech last June, alleging misappropriation of INVISTA’s proprietary process and technology for manufacturing BDO, a chemical intermediate with a wide variety of applications, including automobile parts, adhesives, personal care products and spandex.
Frontech filed counterclaims shortly thereafter, but the Court dismissed all of Frontech’s claims last Friday and allowed INVISTA's state-law claims to proceed to trial.
“We are pleased with the federal court’s dismissal of Frontech’s claims related to this case,” said Bob Francois, president, INVISTA Specialty Materials. “We will continue to protect our customers’ investment in our innovative technology.”
INVISTA produces and licenses BDO globally, utilizing its proprietary, high-pressure hydrogenation process. Frontech competes with INVISTA, primarily in China, to license BDO technology. In the lawsuit, INVISTA seeks damages and declaratory and injunctive relief to halt Frontech’s misconduct.
Jodie Stutzman
INVISTA
Work 316-828-1786