TTS Settles Patent Dispute
In a gratifying end to a patent infringement dispute in Germany, the Swedish company TTS Ships Equipment AB and the German competitor MACOR Marine GmbH have reached an amicable settlement. The dispute related to the scope of a patent owned by TTS for a detachable bow ramp solution of Folding Frame type. The settlement covers the bow ramp of the Ropax vessel m/v “Pont-Aven” delivered in 2004.
“We are satisfied to have reached an agreement in this dispute”, says Stellan Bernsro, President of TTS Ships Equipment AB and continues: “As we will continue to invest in the development of new technologies, we find it necessary to defend our patents and prevent any impermissible use. Our customers and co-operating partners shall be able to rely on well proven systems and solutions, to the benefit of all”.
The TTS Folding Frame bow ramp was developed in response to altered rules for increased safety, and provides a very safe and space-efficient bow access arrangement. It has been installed on the majority of last year’s Ropax newbuildings worldwide, to the benefit of many renowned ship owners and operators.
This is the second case this year only, where a dispute related to infringement of this patented solution is settled. In the first case, TTS and the Spanish competitor SP Consultores y Servicios reached an amicable settlement, after three detected infringements on three Ropax vessels under construction in Spain.