Severstal North America Reaches Another Favorable Patent Decision
DEARBORN, Mich., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Severstal North America announced today that it has achieved a favorable decision in a patent reexamination proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) brought by Severstal regarding United States Patent 6564,604, owned by ArcelorMittal. The patent concerns some of the technology used in the production of aluminum-coated, boron-bearing carbon steel, the end use for which is predominantly in high-strength automotive applications. Severstal has never believed it infringes any of the claims but initiated the patent reexamination to allay the concerns of its customers.
As a result of this decision, the USPTO affirmed its earlier ruling and has now held that all of the claims of the ArcelorMittal patent are held unpatentable for multiple reasons. In anticipation of this decision, Severstal indicated that it has already developed the necessary expertise to provide the aluminum coated boron-bearing carbon steel per the specifications of the automotive manufacturers.
"While ArcelorMittal may appeal this latest ruling, we are confident and pleased with the decision made by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in this matter," said Sergei Kuznetsov, Chief Executive Officer of Severstal North America. "We have complete confidence in our ability to produce and sell these products, and we are looking forward to better meeting the needs of our automotive customers as a result of this decision," Mr. Kuznetsov continued.
About Severstal North America:
Severstal North America is a major steelmaker in the United States and specializes in the full range of the high quality light flat rolled products. Fully integrated operations and corporate headquarters are located in Dearborn, Michigan. A new state-of-the-art electric arc furnace operation in Columbus, Mississippi serves the growing demand for steel in the southeastern United States. Severstal North America also has several joint ventures for the high quality, value-added coated products, as well as a jointly owned coke-making facility Mountain State Carbon. Severstal North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OAO Severstal, one of the world's largest vertically integrated steel and mining companies. www.severstalna.com
SOURCE Severstal North America
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article