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Thread: Zeiss Wins Freeform Lawsuit

  1. #1
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    Zeiss Wins Freeform Lawsuit

    Our lab called us at closing time yesterday and told us that Zeiss just won a lawsuit against ALL mgf of freeform lenses. They further stated that Zeiss will be getting a $# fee added to any other mgf's lenses that are sold. I haven't seen any big announcements here on OB. Anyone else hear from your labs concerning this?
    The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

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    The lawsuit was only against Signet Armorlite and covered how Freeform Lenses are made. It was mentioned here... a few months ago so its not really new.

    http://www.optiboard.com/forums/show...=zeiss+lawsuit

    http://www.optiboard.com/forums/show...=zeiss+lawsuit

    The affect is that Zeiss' patent was upheld on manufacturing. Seiko holds the patent on the design of a back-side add lens. Seiko and Zeiss have a cross licensing agreement with each other, so they can both use each other's patents.

    Since Essilor bought Signet Armorlite, they assumed responsibility for the lawsuit, its payment and future licensing agreements. Hoya followed shortly afterward.

    It means a lot of money for Zeiss and Seiko.

    Quote Originally Posted by icmor View Post
    Our lab called us at closing time yesterday and told us that Zeiss just won a lawsuit against ALL mgf of freeform lenses. They further stated that Zeiss will be getting a $# fee added to any other mgf's lenses that are sold. I haven't seen any big announcements here on OB. Anyone else hear from your labs concerning this?

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    What do you mean Hoya followed shortly afterward? They agreed a licensing fee? I heard this story back in September I think but there was no mention of Hoya.

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    Objection! OptiBoard Gold Supporter shanbaum's Avatar
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    Thanks, I couldn't remember where I saw the article.

    Quote Originally Posted by shanbaum View Post

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