Ansell Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Reckitt Benckiser

ISELIN, N.J., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ansell Ltd, a global leader in protection solutions, today announced that on 14 November 2014 the Company and Ansell Healthcare Products LLC (together "Ansell") filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Limited ("Reckitt") and other related parties ("Respondents"). The action, filed in the New South Wales District Registry of the Federal Court of Australia, asserts that Reckitt has infringed Australian Patent No. 2009241426, titled "Dip-formed Synthetic Polyisoprene Latex Articles with Improved Intraparticle and Interparticle Crosslinks ("the Patent")."

The Patent was applied for on 27 April 2009 and granted on 6 September 2012. Since on or about October 2013, Reckitt has imported a competitive, non-latex condom product branded with the name "Durex^® RealFeel^™" into Australia. Ansell believes the "Durex RealFeel" condom infringes a number of claims of the Patent, resulting in damage to Ansell, including loss of sales to Ansell's non-latex SKYN^® condom product.

Ansell is requesting a final order restraining the Respondents from, among other things, engaging in the following acts within Australia during the term of the Patent, without the licence or authority of Ansell:

• Importing the Durex RealFeel product into Australia;
• Selling, supplying or otherwise disposing of the Durex RealFeel product in Australia; and
• Offering to sell, supply or otherwise dispose of the Durex RealFeel product in Australia.

In addition, Ansell is seeking, among other orders:

• An order for delivery for destruction of all stocks of the Durex RealFeel product in Australia that are in the possession, custody or control of the Respondents;
• Damages or an account of profits, including additional damages pursuant to section 122(1A) of the Patents Act 1990 (Cth) and interest; and
• Its costs of the proceedings.

"Ansell is a global leader in the development and commercialization of condoms and surgical gloves utilizing patented polyisoprene technology," stated Jeyan Heper, President and General Manager of the Ansell Sexual Wellness Global Business Unit (GBU). "The Company has made significant R&D investments in this technology and related patents and this lawsuit seeks to protect these investments."

Ansell is represented by Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers Pty Ltd.

About Ansell
Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well-being. With operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs 13,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the personal protective equipment and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well-being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical, Industrial, Single Use and Sexual Wellness. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.com.    

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates. © 2014 Ansell Limited. All Rights Reserved.

DUREX^® RealFeel is a registered trademark owned by LRC Products or one of its affiliates, including Reckitt Benckiser or one of its affiliates.

SOURCE Ansell Ltd

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