Honours even in metal-web joist patent dispute

A panel hearing at the European Patent Office on October 15 found in favour of MiTek's submission of prior art work - evidence designed to show its own Posi-Strut PS210 web (now known as PS12) had a similar feature to Wolf's easi-joist and had been in production before Wolf's patent was requested in 2007.

The panel also accepted Wolf's revised claim, which differentiates itself from the MiTek product by its nib design.

MiTek originally lodged its opposition to Wolf's patent EP1985774B1 in May last year, claiming that Wolf's easi-joist web lacked an inventive step and requesting the patent to be revoked.

Wolf responded by disputing some of MiTek's evidence, submitting evidence of its own claiming that its WS300 web was 25% stronger than the MiTek product and the WS250 was 28% stronger, as well as filing a revised claim.

"We are very pleased that the hearing found in favour of our prior art," said David Fraser, managing director of MiTek Industries.
"MiTek have always been at the forefront of metal-web joist innovation and we will continue to innovate and defend our intellectual property to protect and grow our Posi-Joist customer's market share in the UK flooring market."

Wolf Systems said the outcome meant it still had a patent in place, with a revised claim that differentiated its web from the MiTek product in question.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of the hearing," said David Leaney, managing director of Wolf Systems Ltd.