Ferro Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio and TherMark L.L.C. of Los Angeles, California have settled a dispute over patented laser marking technology and established a license agreement allowing both part…
Ferro Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio and TherMark L.L.C. of Los Angeles, California have settled a dispute over patented laser marking technology and established a license agreement allowing both parties to practice and promote laser marking technology under the applicable patents. Several years ago both Ferro and TherMark developed materials that enhance or enable lasers to make permanent, higher-contrast marks on a variety of surfaces with different lasers. The agreement gives both firms the ability to market each other“s products and processes without concern about infringing their patents. Ferro will be the sole and exclusive supplier of TherMark marking materials to worldwide markets except for certain limited preexisting licensing agreements that TherMark has in place. TherMark will be an authorized distributor of Ferro“s marking materials. “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with TherMark,” said Dave Smith, Sales Manager for Ferro Glass Systems CerMark Laser Marking business. “It is an equitable agreement that will help both firms and will give us the opportunity to expand more rapidly. In the past, some major potential prospects were hesitant to do business with either firm because of the patent dispute and did not want to risk becoming embroiled in litigation over infringement. By removing this obstacle we have the potential to increase sales. This agreement also strengthens Ferro“s position as a major materials supplier to the industry,” said Smith. “With the ability to operate free of the dispute that existed between Ferro and TherMark, we will be able to provide complete turnkey systems to large industrial customers who prefer a single source for sales, customer and technical service,” Smith added. “In order to accomplish this, we may also sell or broker laser marking systems, in addition to supplying the material, if equipment is required as part of the turnkey system.” Smith said Ferro is committed to promoting TherMark“s marking materials and technology for maximum sales and distribution.