Starlinger holds three patents for its ad*starKON bag conversion line, which produces block bottom valve bags made of plastic tape fabric. It specifically owns the triangle bottom forming mechanism, or ‘wing opener’, used in the machine.

Last summer, Starlinger took legal action against Wenzhou Huazao Machinery Technology Co., Wenzhou Zhengong Machinery Co., and their customer, Zhejiang Liying Packaging Co. – alleging that the companies had infringed these patents.

While the decisions of the Chinese Court are not yet in force, a first result that Huazao and Zhengong have infringed Starlinger’s patents. The Chinese companies have been ordered to cease and desist manufacturing and selling the block bottom valve bag machines.

“The court decisions at first instance are an initial step to show that copying innovative technologies no longer goes unpunished in China,” said Starlinger CSO Harald Neumüller. “Although the decisions are not yet effective, there is no doubt that the original will ultimately win out over the copy.

“Technology leaders like us need to protect their innovations and defend their rights by all means. If companies try to copy our technologies, we are prepared and ready to take legal action against them and their customers.”