ST. LOUIS, July 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Flexsys(r) America L.P., a subsidiary of Solutia Inc. (NYSE:SOA), today announced that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain rubber antidegradants, antidegradant intermediates, and products containing the same. The respondents named in the case are: Sinorgchem Co., Shandong; Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (KKPC); Kumho Tire Co., Inc.; and Kumho Tire USA, Inc. This investigation is based upon a complaint filed by Flexsys on May 12, 2008, which asserts that the importation of Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA or any antidegradants made from its 4-ADPA into the United States violates section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act, due to Sinorgchem's infringement upon Flexsys' patents for the production of 4-ADPA intermediates.
"This action is one example of the aggressive measures we are taking to prevent our competitors from illegally misappropriating our patented technologies," said Jim Voss, senior vice president of Solutia Inc. and president of Flexsys. "We will continue to protect Flexsys' significant investment in manufacturing processes by enforcing our legal rights on a global scale."
In this case, Flexsys seeks an exclusion order barring the importation of Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA as well as 6PPD made from Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA into the United States, including that manufactured by KKPC.
The technology at issue in this case relates to environmentally friendly methods for preparing compounds used in the manufacture of rubber products such as tires, belts and hoses. These compounds prevent premature degradation of rubber due to exposure to sun, heat, ozone and other factors. One such antidegradant is 6PPD, which is manufactured and sold by Flexsys under the brand name Santoflex(r) 6PPD. The material known as 4-ADPA is an intermediate compound used in the production of 6PPD.
Flexsys also has a civil patent infringement case against Kumho Tire, KKPC and Sinorgchem, which is currently pending in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Flexsys products play an important role in the manufacture of tires and other rubber products, such as belts, hoses, seals and footwear. Flexsys is a global business with offices, manufacturing facilities and technology centers around the world. Flexsys has annual sales of more than $650 million, about two-thirds of which take place outside the United States.
Note to editor: Flexsys, Crystex and Santoflex are registered trademarks of Solutia Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Forward Looking Statements
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About Solutia Inc.
Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex(r) interlayer for laminated glass; CPFilms(r) aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar(r) brand and others; high-performance nylon polymers and fibers sold under brands such as Vydyne(r) and Wear-Dated(r); and technical specialties including the Flexsys(r) family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol(r) aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol(r) heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 60 locations. More information is available at www.Solutia.com.
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