Zitat:
Zitat von Tackiness
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equipment ittf Friday June 28 2013
Message from the ITTF President to Manufacturers of ITTF Approved Equipment
Dear Friends,
This official message is to update you with regard to the plastic balls to eventually replace the celluloid balls. There are a couple of issues to explain, but in general all is on track and we do not see any problems in using the new plastic balls once they are approved for the established date of 1 July 2014 as planned.
[...]
2. Patent
2.1 There are three approved patents that we are aware of (maybe many more) with regard to the plastic balls. These three patents of which we are aware are distinctly different and owned by three different entities and do not affect the production of the plastic balls in any way.
2.2 Co.X owns a patent for the production of the seamless plastic balls using a specific technology and using specific non-celluloid materials. DHS and DF own a different patent for the production of non-celluloid balls with seams and the materials used are different than those used for the seamless balls. Therefore, there is no patent issue between Co. X and DHS and DF.
2.3 There is also a patent owned by two persons, of which one is related to Dr. Kuhn. I can confirm that the materials described in this patent are DIFFERENT than the materials used for the seamless ball (Co.X) and the materials used for the plastic balls with seams (DHS and DF). This is confirmed by all companies currently involved in the production of plastic balls. Therefore THERE IS NO PATENT ISSUE.
2.4 I urge all concerned, especially the distributors, NOT to create an issue where it does NOT exist. Do NOT meet with Dr. Kuhn. It is not necessary. And do NOT pay anything to Dr. Kuhn or his relatives or friends with regard to the patent. This is NOT necessary. The supply of balls from China is not affected by this patent.
2.5 In the unlikely scenario that the patent held by Dr. Kuhn's connections becomes relevant, then the ITTF will immediately step in to solve the problem. Until then, there is NO ISSUE.
I hope that this message is clear and that now we can all concentrate on developing our sport and anticipate top quality plastic balls not only from China but from all over the world.
Sincerely,
Adham Sharara
President
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Das Patent ist jetzt wohl doch ein ISSUE geworden... laut Mitteilung von FIT (Federation of International Table Tennis Manufacturers) kam ihr Anwalt zum Schluss, dass Herstellung und Vertrieb des Polyballs durchaus als Patentverletzung gelten könnte und man lieber davon absehen sollte. Bei EM und Weltcup werden sich die Hersteller zusammensetzen und das weitere Vorgehen absprechen.
Andererseits gibt es anscheinend nun auch eine Klage einer deutschen Firma (Weener Plastik) gegen das Kuhn-Patent, wodurch dieses irgendwann in der Zukunft gekippt werden könnte.
Noch keine Stellungnahme der ITTF zu diesen neuen Entwicklungen...