We successfully represented Rhodia Operations, a chemical company and Solvay Group subsidiary, in patent infringement proceedings against NPM Silmet before Harju County Court. The matter involved technically complex issues relating to industrial chemical production processes and required coordination in view of parallel proceedings before the European Patent Office.
National litigation meets European-level patent proceedings
The case was notable for its cross-border dimension and technical complexity, as well as the strategic interaction between national patent litigation, evidence preservation measures and European-level patent proceedings, demonstrating our strong capability to handle high-stakes industrial patent disputes in Estonia.
The dispute concerned an alleged infringement of a European patent. The claimant sought to stop the manufacture, distribution, sale and promotion of products allegedly protected by the patent, as well as the use of the patented method. The claim also included the withdrawal and destruction of the allegedly infringing products, as well as compensation for losses and lost profits resulting from the alleged infringement.
The case ultimately concluded with a cross-border settlement, encompassing disputes relating to several different patents, following which the Estonian proceedings were terminated. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, our client is entitled to receive an aggregate cash payment of EUR 7.1 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Our services and client team
We advised the client on all aspects of the Estonian litigation, including infringement assessment, procedural strategy, and interim relief. We represented the client while evidence preservation measures were taking place, including the collection and seizure of product samples at the defendant’s production site, and during subsequent proceedings relating to the continuation of those measures.
We further advised the client on the Estonian procedural aspects of the settlement and assisted in drafting settlement provisions relating to Estonian national litigation. Our team was led by senior associate Gerli Helene Gritsenko, and supported by partner Carri Ginter, counsel Triin Toom, and senior associates Albert Linntam and Oliver Kuusk.
