Users of phosphinate flame retardants may pose a risk of infringement

Recently, Clariant reported that although the company has valid intellectual property (IP) related to phosphinate flame retardant products globally, it has noticed that some polymer composite manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) also Considering the use of diethylphosphinate aluminum salt (DEPAL) flame retardant provided by local suppliers in Chi.

Such halogen-free flame retardants, often used in combination with nitrogen-containing inorganic synergists, have become major additives in engineering thermoplastics (mainly glass-reinforced polyamides and polyesters, but also epoxy resin.

Clariant has been developing and advancing this technology for over 20 years and its patented Exolit® OP flame retardant has become the last phosphonate flame retardant benchmark on the market today in terms of quality and performan.

At this stage, the IP portfolio consists of 80 patent families with more than 500 individual patents or patents pending worldwide covering phosphinate flame retardants, related polymer components and polymer products such as plug connectors, Circuit boards, package components, power plugs, LED housings, capacitor housings, cell phone charging cables and engine cove.

Clariant said that while the company has been challenged by individual Chinese producers, its related patents remain valid in numerous jurisdictions including China, Japan, Germany, France and the United Stat.

Clariant said it has never authorized another manufacturer to produce its patented phosphinate flame retardant material in China or other countri.

Given the global presence of many OEMs in electronic technology business, Clariant recommends that relevant manufacturers conduct an internal review of the potential intellectual property risks of phosphinate flame retardan.