3M prevails in German Utility Model Infringement Action against MA MicroGrind GmbH

Rhea-AI Summary

3M has won a legal case against MA MicroGrind GmbH for infringing on its German Utility Model and European Patent regarding precision grinding technology. The Mannheim District Court ordered MicroGrind to cease manufacturing and selling the infringing grinding wheels and to compensate 3M for economic losses. The ruling, issued on March 5, 2021, is not final as MicroGrind can appeal. 3M emphasizes its commitment to protecting its intellectual property in abrasive technology.

Positive

• Court ruling favors 3M, confirming infringement of its intellectual property.
• Potential financial compensation from MicroGrind for economic losses.

Negative

• MicroGrind plans to appeal the ruling, which may delay compensation.
• Ongoing legal uncertainties regarding the Utility Model may prolong resolution.

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The German District Court of Mannheim, Germany has ordered that certain grinding wheels made by Germany based MA MicroGrind GmbH infringe 3M's German Utility Model DE 20 2016 004,274. The Utility Model and the parallel European Patent EP 3,231,558 relate to 3M's Precision Grinding & Finishing technology and protect green bodies of a certain composition. 

The court order comprises an injunction that – if enforced – requires MicroGrind to stop the manufacture, sale, and offer for sale of MicroGrind's infringing grinding wheels and compensate 3M for its economic losses and expenses for rights of protection. The judgement was handed down on March 5, 2021.

The judgment is not final and may be appealed to the Upper District Court of Karlsruhe, Germany. MicroGrind has filed a revocation action against the Utility Model that is pending. The parallel EP 3,231,558 was issued over 3^rd party objections by MicroGrind, but no opposition was filed.

3M provides a comprehensive range of abrasive products and solutions to multiple industries, including 3M's conventional bonded and super-abrasives that are widely used in precision grinding and finishing applications for the automotive, aerospace, cutting tool and bearing industries. Learn more about 3M's Precision Grinding & Finishing technology at 3M.com/precisiongrinding.

3M is committed to protecting its intellectual property and investments in its abrasive technology.

About 3M
At 3M (NYSE: MMM), we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as our employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to global challenges at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

 

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SOURCE 3M

FAQ

What is the recent court ruling involving 3M and MA MicroGrind GmbH?

The German District Court ruled that MA MicroGrind GmbH infringed 3M's intellectual property regarding grinding wheels.

What are the implications of the court ruling for 3M?

The ruling allows 3M to seek compensation for economic losses and halts MicroGrind's production of infringing products.

When was the court judgment issued for the 3M case against MicroGrind?

The judgment was issued on March 5, 2021.

Is the court ruling against MicroGrind final?

No, MicroGrind has the option to appeal the decision to the Upper District Court of Karlsruhe.

What technology is at the center of the 3M vs. MicroGrind case?

The case involves 3M's Precision Grinding & Finishing technology protected by a German Utility Model and a European Patent.