Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Hi court rules Oxford University spinout Oxonica breached patent license

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Abstract:
Neuftec Limited, the proprietor of a new, highly successful technology producing greener fuel (the original nano-particulate cerium oxide fuel catalyst previously sold by Oxonica as EnviroxTM), announced today that the High Court successfully upheld Neuftec's license rights in the face of a claim brought by Oxonica Energy Limited. Oxonica Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxonica PLC, the Aim-listed Oxford University spin-out, chaired by former Dragon's Den TV star Richard Farleigh. Since 2002 EnviroxTM has represented approximately 95% of Oxonica PLC's sales.

Hi court rules Oxford University spinout Oxonica breached patent license

UK | Posted on September 6th, 2008

In October 2006, Oxonica informed Neuftec it had produced an ‘alternative' to the patented EnviroxTM formulation which would not be eligible for continued royalty payments. Following Oxonica's failure to pay these royalty payments, Neuftec terminated Oxonica's production and distribution rights and sought alternative means to market this highly successful product. Oxonica commenced legal proceedings against Neuftec in February 2007 in the High Court, originally seeking declarations that Neuftec be prevented from competing with Oxonica and additionally that sales of ‘Envirox 2' were not caught by the terms of the Neuftec licence and therefore should not trigger royalty payments by Oxonica.

Neuftec defended both assertions and counterclaimed for payment of royalties due from Oxonica's sales of its alternative ‘Envirox 2' formulation. Neuftec also sought an audit of Oxonica's records relating to all Envirox sales and payment of sums due. Oxonica subsequently dropped its challenge to Neuftec's right to compete with Oxonica in the market place, but the dispute over the patent rights and earlier royalty payments continued.

The trial was heard before Mr. Peter Prescott QC, Deputy Judge at the High Court in London in June 2008 and judgment was issued today. In a 40 page judgment, the judge ruled that "…royalties are payable in respect of any product, process or use falling within the scope of any claim of the PCT application as appended to the Licence Deed, and nothing else. Envirox 2 is a Licensed Product as defined, and attracts royalties accordingly. The claim fails and the counterclaim succeeds...".
Ronen Hazarika, co-founder of Neuftec said, "We are absolutely delighted that the court has found in our favour. It has been an expensive and time-consuming battle but we now feel wholly vindicated.

When Oxonica's actions in trying to avoid paying substantial royalty payments first came to light, we took the decision to fight this on a matter of principle and ethics. If inventors of new and groundbreaking technology cannot rely on their licencees and the licencees' business angels to honour agreements, innovation is at risk. The emergence of new technologies would solely be in the hands of large corporations. Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial to the encouragement of advances in technology.

It is of some regret that at no time since the commencement of proceedings did Oxonica make any attempt to settle this matter out of court despite Neuftec being open and willing to such discussions. I imagine Oxonica's management will be answerable to its shareholders over this whole affair. "

Neuftec estimates that royalties owed amount to approximately Ł500,000 plus legal and associated costs of around Ł1.3 million. Neuftec has instructed a leading firm of forensic accountants to complete the audit of Oxonica's records and to verify whether Neuftec is also entitled to a 25% share of Oxonica's profits from EnviroxTM and ‘Envirox 2' plus a Ł1 million milestone payment as defined by the Neuftec license. Neuftec intends to reclaim all sums due, together with interest from Oxonica.

Neuftec is also now evaluating the prospect of filing fresh claims in the High Court in relation to Oxonica's on-going sales of ‘Envirox 2'. Neuftec filed a separate patent infringement action against Oxonica in June 2008 relating to sales of EnviroxTM that infringe Neuftec's European patents. Oxonica has recently confirmed that, contrary to its earlier undertakings, it has sold EnviroxTM (originally licensed from Neuftec) in Europe, post the termination of the licence agreement.

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About Neuftec Limited
Neuftec is a research & development company that owns patents in the fuel catalyst technology sector used in the production of the first version of EnviroxTM (2001-2007) that was manufactured by Advanced Nanotechnology of Australia under a manufacturing licence granted by Oxonica with authorisation from Neuftec. On 29 February 2008, IP Australia issued a re-examination report in respect of Neuftec's Australian patent. The patent had been issued in 2006 with 10 claims. In the re-examination report, IP Australia confirmed the patentability of the 10 claims as originally granted in 2006 in re-examination proceedings initiated by Oxonica. Neuftec is also opposing the grant of an Oxonica patent relating to doped cerium oxide fuel additives in Australia. The Neuftec technology is now utilized by Energenics Pte Ltd in its EnercatTM fuel additive

NOTES TO EDITORS

Neuftec is represented by Watson, Farley & Williams LLP & Mr. Richard Hacon of 11 South Square, Mr. Mark Platts-Mills QC & Mr. James Abraham of 8 New Square, London.

Contacts:
Ronen Hazarika
Neuftec Limited
Tel. +65 9633 8072

Melanie Riley
Bell Yard Communications
Tel: +44 20 7936 2021

Mob: +44 7775 591244

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