On November 13, 2019, the Boards of Appeal for the European Patent Office (EPO) reinstated Houweling’s European patent directed to its Ultra-Clima Semi-Closed Greenhouse. The Ultra-Clima European Patent was opposed by eleven greenhouse manufacturers, who combined efforts to challenge the patent. The Opposition Division of the EPO originally proposed revocation of Houweling’s European patent. Houweling disagreed with this finding and appealed the decision to the Boards of Appeal for the EPO. The Boards of Appeal reversed the proposed revocation and finally upheld Houweling’s patent. The Boards of Appeal found that Houweling’s patent meets all formal requirements of the EPO, and claims subject matter that is both novel and involves an inventive step. Houweling’s European patent covers most major countries in Europe.
This follows the United States Court of Appeal for the Federal affirmation of the validity of the U.S patent directed to the Ultra Clima Semi-Closed Greenhouse on October 11th, 2019
"Houweling’s has always been prepared and committed to protecting its intellectual property, and its advanced technology has changed and expanded possibilities available to create strides in the greenhouse industry", the company shares in a news release. "Houweling’s has put substantive effort and funds into perfecting the Ultra-Clima design and will aggressively defend its patent rights."
For more information:
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www.houwelings.com