Invista: Chinese engineer admits theft of information

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Jul 18, 2014

The textile group that owns Lycra and Cordura states that it has successfully resolved a lawsuit against a Chinese engineer. During one of Invista’s Chinese license projects, the engineer misappropriated information regarding one of the group’s technical production methods.

The accused misappropriated information related to the use of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) for the production of fabrics that incorporate polyester.

Dismissed by his Chinese employer, the engineer is to recognize his mistake and accept all conditions imposed by Invista, including a commitment to never work in a field where the knowledge acquired from the group could be used.

"Invista is committed to protecting the interests of its customers and their investments in Invista technology licenses,” said Mike Pickens, general manager of Invista Performance Technologies. "We will continue to take appropriate legal action as necessary—whether in China or elsewhere—to ensure protection of our intellectual property and the value it brings to our customers."

The parent company of brands such as Lycra and Cordura, the group is currently present in over twenty countries. Specializing in fibers and polymers, the company employs 10,000 people. It joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition in 2013, and has recently rolled out a new brand strategy to attract new partner brands.