From: Terry Wohlers (tw@wohlersassociates.com)
Date: Fri Oct 24 2003 - 19:29:27 EEST
Hello everyone,
It's no secret that there's bad blood between 3D Systems and German competitor EOS. What most people don't know is that there are eight active lawsuits between the two companies. That's right, eight of them! Patent lawsuits were filed in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. 3D Systems and EOS also have two contract disputes underway.
The patent litigation in the U.S. is an order of magnitude more expensive than in other countries. One of these lawsuits could be the kiss of death for either company. I'm in favor of protecting intellectual property, but why can't these two companies seek an alternative to dropping cash into a black hole that neither can afford? If they could find a way to cooperate at some level, it would turn a lose-lose situation into a win-win for both companies.
Many years ago, an RP system manufacturer in the U.S. was faced with a probable lawsuit that would have been a major distraction and financial drain on the company. Instead, the company was able to trade rights to patents for company stock and everyone was happy in the end. More recently, I spoke with the CEO of a software company that was facing a similar situation. An advisor recommended to the CEO that they immediately take legal action for patent infringement. Instead, the CEO picked up the phone, and in 15 minutes, had worked a deal with the competitor, and everyone was satisfied.
My advise to 3D Systems and EOS: Set aside the boxing gloves and use precious company resources in a way that benefits your customers. If you do not, you risk paying the ultimate price and everyone will lose.
Best regards,
Terry
************
Terry Wohlers
Wohlers Associates, Inc.
OakRidge Business Park
1511 River Oak Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 USA
970-225-0086
Fax 970-225-2027
tw@wohlersassociates.com
http://wohlersassociates.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Trevor Jones
To: rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 8:49 AM
Subject: Re: EOS learned lesson in their own country
This comes from users of the SLA technology where there is competition -
espcially for support, materials, and lasers. For SLS users, 3D locks you
into paying the highest price - and uses these legal issues/jokes to lock
out any potential supplier from the business.
TR
John, I could not agree more. Looks like EOS is just pissing away 3D's and
their own money, which could be used for R&D or better uses. I would say
that if their home country thinks this is a ridiculous suit, then US will
also.
John Kerr <johnnkerrr@yahoo.com.sg> wrote:
Dear List,
Pleased to see the judgement in Germany by German court ruling out EOS for
baseless SLS patents. EOS should stop these activities now & concentrate on
technology developments.
Readers, support 3D Systems for their strength in fighting out such
un-necessary competitions. Why not any company develop (like EOS) their own
technology & compete healthily with 3D. EOS gave up SLA first & now may be
SLS (!!!)
For future development of RP technologies, we need another 3-4 3D Systems !
not EOSs, copymasters !
Johnn
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