BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: European Union antitrust authorities are investigating whether Honeywell and DuPont acted together to restrict competition when launching a new lower-emission refrigerant required for cars air-conditioning systems in Europe.
The European Commission said, in response to complaints, it had opened antitrust proceedings to investigate whether joint development, licencing and production arrangements entered in between the two companies in relation to these refrigerants restrict competition on the markets.
Under an EU directive that took effect in January, carmakers began using in their new models 1234yf, a refrigerant developed by the two US companies to replace an old one, R134a, which does not meet Brussels’ guidelines on limiting global warming.
Citing issues, the complainant - Arkema alleged that Honeywell did not disclose its patents and patent applications while the new refrigerant was being assessed, and so failed to grant licences on “fair and reasonable” terms.
Arkema is satisfied with the decision adopted by the European Commission to open proceedings against DuPont and Honeywell for agreement and abuse of dominant position, following the complaint filed against them, the company said.
Arkema will continue to contribute to the ongoing investigation whose purpose is to clarify the legal environment around the patents of Honeywell and DuPont, said Arkema.
This project will enable the group to support the growth of the market, as new refrigerant for automotive air conditioning standard, 1234yf equip all new vehicles from 1 January 2017 in Europe.
© WOC News