Judgement Reached in IIa Technologies/Element Six Patent Suite

(IDEX Online) - The High Court of Singapore has ruled that IIa Technologies has infringed on an Element Six patent for proprietary synthetic diamond products and their method of manufacture (Singapore patent number 115872).

The patent relates to the production of material that can be used in lab-grown diamond jewelry and in optical applications such as infrared spectroscopy and high-power laser optics.

However, a secondary Element Six patent, relating to the treatment of CVD synthetic diamond (Singapore patent number 110508) was not found to be valid in Singapore. 

Element Six said it is considering its legal options regarding this decision.

"This decision confirms the validity of our patent for the production of CVD synthetic diamonds, and we hold similar patents in many jurisdictions," said Walter Hühn, Element Six chief executive. "We will continue to be vigilant for any other potential infringement of our IP rights around the globe, and we will defend our rights vigorously - just as any company would - because protecting our ability to get a full return on our investment in R&D is vital to our future."

In response to the judgement, Vishal Mehta, CEO of IIa Technologies, said "IIa Technologies has developed its proprietary process in the last 15 years and is proud of the work we have done to bring lab grown diamonds to the world. The current judgment will be considered in its entirety and then the company will take necessary steps to protect its interests."

IIa is also involved in legal action in the U.S. over patent infringements. The Carnegie Institution of Washington is alleging that its patents for growing diamonds are being infringed by some well-known lab-grown makers. The institute has filed lawsuits in New York against six companies, including IIa Technologies PTE Ltd.

That dispute has arisen over the use of Carnegie's chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The Institution and M7D Corp., which licenses the technology, said in the lawsuits that they are seeking cash compensation and court orders blocking unauthorized use of two patents.