According to the announcement, the case involved a company importing and selling R-404A and R-408A among other refrigerant products that it received from a foreign broker. The broker claimed to have licenses for these products, a claim that proved to be untrue, according to Honeywell.

"In this case the company was a victim of misrepresentation," said David Metcalf, marketing manager for Honeywell Genetron refrigerants. "Therefore we decided not to publicly disclose its identity."

"We welcome fair and honest competition," said Jeremy Steinfink, business director for refrigerants. "However, we have invested substantial resources in the development of Honyewell's refrigerant patent portfolio. We will take all actions necessary to protect this intellectual property."

He added, "Many wholesalers, contractors, and facility owners appear to be under the mistaken belief that just because they did not actually import the product, they are not liable for patent infringement. In actuality, by reselling or using an infringement product, they are also liable."

Honeywell said wholesalers and contractors should investigate the source of virgin and reclaimed refrigerant products to ensure the product is properly licensed under all applicable patents.

For additional information, go to www.honeywell.com.

Publication date: 11/29/2004