Ascend, Samsung SDI Settle Patent Case

Ascend Performance Materials announced yesterday that it has reached an agreement with Samsung SDI to end its ongoing global patent invalidation proceedings and enter into a patent license agreement regarding the sale and use of lithium-ion battery additives. Such additives include 1,3,6-hexanetricarbonitrile (HTCN), which is manufactured and sold by Ascend as Trinohex Ultra. A non-hazardous nitrile, Trinohex Ultra is used to improve battery life, safety, and overall performance across cathode chemistries and voltages, even in extreme conditions, said Ascend. The Houston-based company produces high-performance polymers, fibers, and specialty chemicals used in automotive, electrical and electronic, consumer, and industrial products globally. The agreement follows a final written decision in August 2021 by the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board, which held that all of the challenged claims by Samsung SDI were invalid for multiple reasons.