Carclo brings High Court action against Uni-Pexel Displays

CARCLO has accused a US-based business of stealing its confidential “know-how”.

The Ossett-based technology-led plastics business has issued proceedings in the High Court against Uni-Pexel Displays, of Texas, through its UK subsidiary Conductive Inkjet Technology (CIT).

Uni-Pexel Displays, which is listed on the NASDAQ exchange, is a developer of performance engineered films.

CIT, which offers touch sensor technology and ultraviolet inks writing onto products such as smart packaging, is claiming breach of contract, breach of confidence, and patent entitlement.

“The basis of the claim is CIT’s belief that Uni-Pixel has made unauthorised use of confidential CIT know-how, relating to the formulation and use of catalytic inks and metallisation technology in touch screen applications, in the development of its own metal mesh process and products (which it calls ‘UniBoss’) and related patents it has filed (or been issued) on these processes,” Carclo said in a statment this morning.

Carclo admitted that the secrets behind the technology had been shown to Uni-Pexel, with CIT’s consent, previously as part a project with a development partner.

However, CIT claims to have only permitted Uni-Pixel to use that know-how in relation to a different field of use, unrelated to touch screen sensors.

“CIT believes that Uni-Pixel has breached the restrictions imposed in respect of its use of that know-how,” the group added.
 
“CIT is seeking injunctive relief against Uni-Pixel to deprive it of the unfair head-start in its development efforts which CIT believes it to have gained from unauthorised use of CIT know-how, plus damages.”

Meanwhile, a $10m payment to Carclo has been triggered after the production of touch sensors based on CIT’s ‘Fine Line Technology’ began.
 
Carclo will receive the prepayment from partner Atmel Corporation after the minimum volume of shipments was reached.