Oh oh – we’re now seeing major lawsuits flying in the 3D printing industry for perhaps the first time. EOS, the Munich-based manufacturer of laser sintering 3D printing gear, has filed suits against Phenix Systems of France. Apparently this scenario began when Phenix produced their PXL, PXM, PXS and PXS Dental 3D printers, all of which use lasers to sinter parts from powder. Evidently EOS believes this is a violation of their patent and we suspect they may have a case here.
We’ll be watching to see how Phenix reacts here. If the suit’s allegations are genuine, then Phenix has few options: abandon those products (and likely their business) or license the technology from EOS at a cost demanded by EOS. Does this mean that lawsuits are now the rule among 3D printer manufacturers? Now that the 3D printing space has grown large, will others come forward and submit lawsuits for alleged infringements? We suspect there are quite a few violations in play, particularly in the 3D printer kit market, which has been largely ignored by the patent holders due to the limited size of the infringements.
Via EOS
I just came across the following posting on the internet and wanted to provide some clarification from Phenix Systems viewpoint regarding the EOS patent infringement lawsuit. EOS has tried this tactic, unsuccessfully, in Europe against Phenix Systems and we are confident of a similar outcome in the US. Phenix Systems President, Francois Reymondet, states:
“Phenix Systems, is aware that EOS has filed a lawsuit alleging patent infringement, although EOS has not yet proceeded with formal service of the lawsuit on Phenix Systems. Phenix Systems does not infringe the patents; and, if EOS decides to proceed with its unfounded allegations, Phenix Systems will prove the patents are not infringed. Further, Phenix Systems believes press releases made by EOS regarding its false accusations are defamatory and Phenix Systems has demanded that EOS cease such activity immediately. “
AMT (Additive Manufacturing Technologies), Inc. is pleased to offer the complete line of Phenix Systems products to the North American market. We are confident that the superior quality of our products and services will grow the Additive Manufacturing segment of the Rapid Prototyping marketplace in North America and anticipate a swift resolution to the baseless claims brought forth by EOS.