Rouse and its strategic partner firm, Lusheng, are delighted to have represented i4F Patents & Technologies in their first litigation in China to secure a successful precedent for their technology license agreement.
i4F is a leader in flooring technologies, and has a successful patent licensing program which includes a significant number of licensees in China. When one of those licensees, Chuzhou Jingtian, defaulted on royalty payments and resisted efforts to settle amicably, i4F initiated a lawsuit in the Chuzhou Intermediate Court. i4F obtained an Asset Preservation Order on properties owned by Jingtian, and a court mediation decision awarding royalties owed, late payment penalties and interest. Earlier this month, Jingtian paid the awarded sum in full, bringing the case to a successful conclusion.
The case demonstrates that Chinese courts have no difficulty adjudicating foreign law contracts and recognising the validity of interest and penalty clauses that are vital to ensuring that licensees comply with their obligations.
Authors: Chris Bailey, Liping Xu, Brand Zhang