TECHCROSS

PRESS Techcross Acquires Patent for BWMS Installation Solution 2020-03-24
As shown in the famous design patent lawsuit between Apple and Samsung in 2011, patent disputes have been on the rise since 1995, when the dispute mediation committee was founded in Korea. This is a global phenomenon, which indicates a move to prepare for potential disputes by securing patents for source technology as the competition among countries and firms accelerated with advances in the manufacturing sector since the 1980s. Intellectual property rights, protected by patents, do not provide an absolute guarantee of benefit for their holders. They, however, enable the holders to raise objections against cases of violation and provide minimal defense in such claims. If a company loses intellectual property disputes due to a lack of preparation, it will not only have to pay damage compensations but also suffer declining sales and market brand value, which can also create a ripple effect for the national economy. Therefore, companies are advised to prepare for all possibilities and potential cases in the developing market in which the competition is becoming fiercer. Under these circumstances, Techcross entered into a patent transfer agreement with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd. to receive the patent for a ballast water management system (BWMS) installation solution. The transfer of rights will be completed by the beginning of June at least as each country finished administrative procedures. The patent is recognized in four major shipbuilding countries including Korea, China, Indonesia and Philippines. The patent was originally registered in 2011. It covers a ship structure solution enabling the installation of BWMS in appropriate locations regardless of the ship type and ballast water treatment methods used. The comprehensive solution deals with the installation location of direct/indirect electrolysis equipment and pipe structures of UV and electrolysis equipment. The solution is unique because BWMS can be installed near the bridge towards the aft of a ship, allowing effective use of spaces in the ship. As such, ship structures or hull shapes do not need to be largely modified to have BWMS when using this solution. This also means that BWMS can be easily installed on new and existing ships alike. As of 2020, Techcross holds 115 patents and utility models regarding BWMS, related technologies, and installation solutions. The company continues to develop technology through sustained research projects, purchasing patents if needed to secure the source technology. In doing so, Techcross provides customers with reliable services under various circumstances. The key objective of this patent transfer is to ensure that all Techcross customers are supplied legal product solutions reliably within the scope of the international law, as well as to eliminate potential risks like legal disputes. The competition in the ship ballast equipment industry will elevate for the next four to five years, which is expected to cause much fatigue for suppliers as well as consumers alike. The acquisition of new patents by Techcross will not only lift the risk of undesired incidents that are unrelated to individual intentions but also help clients grow their businesses. Such acquisition of source technology through the maintenance of intellectual property rights, in addition to bold investments in the largest manufacturing factory in the industry, a training center, and an extensive global network, shows the serious attitude of Techcross when it comes to the ballast water management business. These investments have paid off, bringing the company 152 million dollars in sales in 2019, which is a 230% growth compared to the previous year. Techcross is continuing its business in 2020 with a goal of doubling the sales figure to 295 million dollars.

PRESS

Techcross Acquires Patent for BWMS Installation Solution

2020-03-24

As shown in the famous design patent lawsuit between Apple and Samsung in 2011, patent disputes have been on the rise since 1995, when the dispute mediation committee was founded in Korea. This is a global phenomenon, which indicates a move to prepare for potential disputes by securing patents for source technology as the competition among countries and firms accelerated with advances in the manufacturing sector since the 1980s. Intellectual property rights, protected by patents, do not provide an absolute guarantee of benefit for their holders. They, however, enable the holders to raise objections against cases of violation and provide minimal defense in such claims. If a company loses intellectual property disputes due to a lack of preparation, it will not only have to pay damage compensations but also suffer declining sales and market brand value, which can also create a ripple effect for the national economy. Therefore, companies are advised to prepare for all possibilities and potential cases in the developing market in which the competition is becoming fiercer.

Under these circumstances, Techcross entered into a patent transfer agreement with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd. to receive the patent for a ballast water management system (BWMS) installation solution. The transfer of rights will be completed by the beginning of June at least as each country finished administrative procedures. The patent is recognized in four major shipbuilding countries including Korea, China, Indonesia and Philippines.

The patent was originally registered in 2011. It covers a ship structure solution enabling the installation of BWMS in appropriate locations regardless of the ship type and ballast water treatment methods used. The comprehensive solution deals with the installation location of direct/indirect electrolysis equipment and pipe structures of UV and electrolysis equipment. The solution is unique because BWMS can be installed near the bridge towards the aft of a ship, allowing effective use of spaces in the ship. As such, ship structures or hull shapes do not need to be largely modified to have BWMS when using this solution. This also means that BWMS can be easily installed on new and existing ships alike.

As of 2020, Techcross holds 115 patents and utility models regarding BWMS, related technologies, and installation solutions. The company continues to develop technology through sustained research projects, purchasing patents if needed to secure the source technology. In doing so, Techcross provides customers with reliable services under various circumstances. The key objective of this patent transfer is to ensure that all Techcross customers are supplied legal product solutions reliably within the scope of the international law, as well as to eliminate potential risks like legal disputes. The competition in the ship ballast equipment industry will elevate for the next four to five years, which is expected to cause much fatigue for suppliers as well as consumers alike. The acquisition of new patents by Techcross will not only lift the risk of undesired incidents that are unrelated to individual intentions but also help clients grow their businesses.

Such acquisition of source technology through the maintenance of intellectual property rights, in addition to bold investments in the largest manufacturing factory in the industry, a training center, and an extensive global network, shows the serious attitude of Techcross when it comes to the ballast water management business. These investments have paid off, bringing the company 152 million dollars in sales in 2019, which is a 230% growth compared to the previous year. Techcross is continuing its business in 2020 with a goal of doubling the sales figure to 295 million dollars.

TECHCROSS LOGO