LPW and Mafac jointly use cleaning technology patent

In recent years, Mafac and LPW have invested a great deal of fundamental work in the development of new cleaning processes and the optimization of existing ones. Ten years ago, LPW took over a large number of patents and patent applications (EU, USA, China) for the cyclic nucleation process and further developed it into a stable and efficient washing-mechanical component. In addition, LPW filed the patent "Method and device for providing a medium by means of cyclic nucleation" in 2019, which was granted by the Patent Office in 2022. Mafac, on the other hand, has been working intensively on cleaning in a vacuum environment and vacuum-based pressure change processes since the mid-1990s. In 1997, a corresponding international patent (EU, USA) was applied for by the then Mafac Managing Director Joachim Schwarz and granted by the relevant patent offices. The process was used for many years, continuously developed and established. The result is today's successful Mafac VAP technology. The core of this special patent is sensor-based progress monitoring during the extraction of contaminants from the component surface initiated by the vacuum-based pressure change process during the cleaning and/or rinsing processes. This patent is therefore an important building block for future cleaning processes and their process control.

Joint patent utilization by Mafac and LPW instead of patent dispute

As key innovation steps of both companies ran in parallel, the parties agree that a continuation of the legal dispute would have cost one thing above all: valuable time and resources that could be better invested in new developments. With this agreement, the companies are responding to the dynamics of the market, which is increasingly characterized by fast development cycles and rising demands on quality and process monitoring. By sharing patents, both companies can continue to drive forward their individual innovation projects unhindered and without delay and bring their solutions to market faster and more efficiently. "Joint patent use is a strong signal and creates planning security on both sides and therefore benefits for our customers. At the same time, we can continue our development work without any restrictions," explains Gerhard Koblenzer, Managing Partner of LPW. Stefan Schaal, Managing Partner of Mafac, also emphasizes the advantages of the agreement: "This solution is constructive and fair. In other words, typically medium-sized. It enables both companies to fully exploit their individual strengths and allow our customers to benefit from continuous innovation."

Patent agreement as a win-win situation for both companies

"Of course, there is still a competitive situation, as before. However, owner-managed SMEs also make compromises possible where others have long since turned their backs," both managing directors agree, as the agreement represents a clear win-win situation: LPW and Mafac reduce the risks of a legal dispute and avoid further delays that a lengthy process would have entailed. In addition, the companies strengthen their individual innovative power and can concentrate on competing in the market. With this step, Mafac and LPW are setting an example that accelerates technological progress and at the same time protects the interests of both companies.