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Ropes

After a lengthy legal process lasting six years, a patent expert DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of
appointed by the judge argued that the patent obtained by DSM Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthlane (UHMWPE),

was not valid. DSM appointed an independent patent expert to brand named Dyneema, which is used to make mooring
review the evidence. His conclusion was that the patent is valid lines. They are said to have a proven track record in heavy

and as a result of this and the view of DSM’s own patent experts, marine shipping providing secure and safe mooring, as an

DSM has decided that it will appeal the decision.alternative to steel-wire ropes.
Global Business Director at DSM Dyneema, Edwin Mr Grootendorst said the trend towards larger, heavier

Grootendorst, said: “Whilst DSM entirely respects the court’s vessels was driving the demand for stronger mooring and
decision, we don’t accept the court ruling. We think the judge towing ropes.

has made the wrong decision.”“Conventional steel-wire and other synthetic ropes become
He said DSM was appealing against the court’s decision and too heavy, bulky and dificult to handle,” he said.

an expert appointed by DSM but independently approved by “Ropes with Dyneema are as strong as steel-wire ropes
the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual of the same diameter, yet they are less than one-seventh the

Property (AIPPI) believes there is clear evidence that that DSM weight. In addition, a rope with Dyneema is about 60% of the
patent is valid.diameter and 30% the weight of an equally strong polyester or

nylon rope. So, mooring lines made with Dyneema are not only
“
strong enough to secure today’s larger vessels, they are also
much lighter and easier to handle than other types of ropes.”

DSM DynDSM Dyneema introduced the Dyneema SK78 several eema has a
years ago, for mooring and towing ropes and Dyneema
policy to vigorously
Max Technology is one of the latest innovation platforms
introduced. It is designed for use in permanently loaded
defend its IP position
applications in which creep is a consideration, including
offshore deep water mooring lines, standing rigging, guys and ”

stays and webbings.
Mr Grootendorst said Dyneema Max Technology

combined the weight and strength advantages of Dyneema
SK75 and SK78 with a unique resistance to creep. Fully
lem with trademark and patent Talking of the general prob
accredited, mooring ropes made with this technology infringements, he added: “DSM Dyneema has a policy to

outperformed the alternatives, surpassed industry standards vigorously defend its IP position. By doing so, the company
for deep water permanent moorings and also opened theprotects its portfolio of proprietary high performance products,

door for other exciting applications where the strengths of brings added value to its customers and partners, and ensures
Dyneema are now no longer compromised by a too high creep.that end users can rely on high quality and performance of their

He said the future market for ropes was exciting, applications made with Dyneema.
particularly those using new technology such as Dyneema. “We take our IP seriously and will act to repress any

“The rope market, especially for ropes based on highattempt to take advantage of our reputation. DSM Dyneema
performance fibres like Dyneema, is a market with healthy offers a unique product with a brand that is well-covered by

growth. Challenges in operations are getting bigger and intellectual asset protection, including trademarks, patents,
bigger, whether it is mooring of ships, installations on the know-how, service and innovation. We have an extremely strong

seabed, lifting of objects and so on. This creates a lot of commitment to our customers and licensees, as well as to the

opportunities for the future.” uend users in the various market segments we have.”

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The SHIP Supplier Issue 66 2015