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Recently, Clariant issued a statement on the intellectual property rights of phosphinate flame retardants (Exolit® OP). The full text is as follows:

Distinguished customers, distinguished end users of flame retardant materials:

Since 2004, leading specialty chemicals manufacturer Clariant has developed a flame retardant technology based on organic phosphinates, which has been marketed commercially under the Exolit® OP trademark. This class of phosphinates has become a leading solution for halogen-free flame retardant materials such as engineering thermoplastics such as polyamides and polyesters, as well as epoxy-based adhesives for printed circuit board applications.

Clariant has applied for and obtained numerous patents worldwide (including China) for this innovative technology. Our Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio also includes related trademarks and approximately 500 active patents on phosphinate substances, formulations of phosphinate and synergistic flame retardants (synergists), production processes and key application areas, Covers the production, sale and commercial use of related products.

Although Clariant has been a supplier of dialkylphosphinates and flame retardant materials based thereon, some Chinese manufacturers and suppliers have started to offer similar products. We draw your attention to the fact that the procurement and use of such materials not supplied by Clariant may not only infringe Clariant’s patents in China, but may also infringe Clariant’s intellectual property rights in other countries and regions, which is especially important for products sold to the global market . We are conducting a thorough investigation of potential infringements in the flame retardant and flame retardant end product market to protect Clariant and our customers’ business. Clariant attaches great importance to this and will take appropriate legal measures in a timely manner to safeguard Clariant’s legitimate rights and interests.

If you are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and brand owner, you know the value and importance of intellectual property. If you use material in your supply chain that may infringe patents or trademarks, not only will you be held legally responsible, but your business reputation may be damaged. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you ask your flame retardant material and component suppliers to verify that their flame retardant sources are trusted and comply with legal standards.

Please let us know if you receive questions or statements from our competitors regarding intellectual property claims of Clariant phosphinate flame retardants in your products. We are happy to provide you with advice and appropriate support.

At the end of 2021, Clariant announced that it will invest 60 million Swiss francs (approximately RMB 410 million) in its existing base in Daya Bay, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, to build the first production plant for Exolit® OP flame retardants in China. By building local production capacity, Clariant has greatly increased the speed of providing solutions to Chinese customers, and designed customized solutions according to the development needs of customers, serving the fast-growing electrical and electronic equipment industry, especially e-mobility, 5G communication technology and the transportation industry. At the same time, on the basis of the existing factory in Knapsack, Germany, the new factory is also a strong complement to our overall production network, and our customers around the world will benefit from it. At present, the project is in full swing, the construction of the main plant structure has been completed, and the equipment procurement is also in progress. It is planned to be completed and put into use next year.