Strix Group enforces patents in China, Germany

Kettle safety control manufacturer Strix Group updated the market on its intellectual property protection initiatives on Wednesday, reporting that it had successfully enforced its patents, which were being breached by manufacturers in China.

The AIM-traded firm said that, although all manufacturers that were currently trying to copy its controls and connectors were based in China, not all of those manufacturers sold their products on the China domestic market where Strix had much of its intellectual property registered.

It explained that, in an effort to try and avoid patent infringement proceedings, some of those manufacturers only exported their products, often to countries where Strix did not have its IP registered.

However, under China patent law it was still an offence to manufacture infringing product in China regardless of its ultimate destination.

Strix said that, acting on information it provided, local intellectual property enforcement authorities were able to raid a factory in Guangdong province belonging to Foshan Shunde Xiaolong Electrical Appliance Company, and seize electric kettles that infringed Strix's IP and which were to be exported to South Korea.

The parties subsequently settled matters.

Strix said it also brought a claim based on unfair competition against Expo Börse and Schou Germany, who had imported kettles into Germany which - according to Strix - incorporated copies of its controls and connectors.

Those parties also subsequently settled matters.

The Strix board said it was continuing to monitor internet product sales, and took action where appropriate.

It recently brought a complaint of electric kettle patent infringement to the attention of Amazon, who swiftly removed the offending products from their platforms of one vendor, DEUBA, who also settled with Strix.

“Protection of our technology and products remains a key focus of the company,” said Strix chief executive officer Mark Bartlett.

“The maintenance of our brand value supports us in retaining our market share and strong relationships with our customers.”

Bartlett said the firm was continuing to monitor the market for copyists, and took actions to disrupt those that infringed on its intellectual property.

“As illustrated, we are able to defend our technology in a number of different ways and ensure that consumers, our customers and our brand are protected.”