Raw materials trader VDM Alloys B.V. has started several legal proceedings against Thyssenkrupp and VDM Metals International GmbH for trade name infringement.
VDM Alloys, who has been producing metal powders for additive manufacturing since 2008, announced the action through a press release distributed over the weekend.
The VDM (Vereinigte Deutsche Metallwerke) Metals International GmbH business previously owned by Thyssenkrupp has a history dating back to the 1930s and was sold to Lindsay Goldberg from Outokumpu in 2015. VDM Metals offers a comprehensive portfolio of powders to the additive manufacturing space, which are used in the aerospace, oil and gas and consumer goods industries, among others. The company also has VDM Alloy and VDM Powder trademarks, which led to Thyssenkrupp initially engaging in legal action against VDM Alloys B.V.
A lack of evidence in that case, per VDM Alloys B.V., saw Thyssenkrupp seek a settlement at ‘very disadvantageous terms which were no option for VDM Alloys B.V.’ VDM Alloys B.V. says Thyssenkrupp has since refrained from any communication and left it ‘no other choice’ but to file against VDM Metals and Thyssenkrupp. Trade property right specialist Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh attorneys, representing VDM Alloys B.V. have suggested the VDM Metals trademarks are inflicting the VDM Alloys B.V. business.
“As Thyssenkrupp/ VDM Metals International GmbH refuses any solution or cooperation to solve the matter, VDM Alloys B.V. has had no other choice but to start further legal procedures against the infringement by Thyssenkrupp of their trade name by ceasing the use of its trademarks and trade names and at the same time start an invalidity action before all relevant trademark offices with regard to the trademark rights because of the indications of non-use and registration in bad faith,” a VDM Alloys GmbH’ press release explained.
TCT Magazine has reached out to VDM Metals International GmbH and Thyssenkrupp for comment.
