In March 2008, photochemical resin supplier DSM Desotech filed a complaint in federal court in Chicago alleging that 3D Systems violated federal and state antitrust law, state deceptive trade practices law, tortiously interfered with Desotech prospective business relations and infringed Desotech’s patents related to stereolithography (“SL”) machines.

On January 26th, 2009, U.S. District Judge Joan H. Lefkow ruled that the majority of Desotech’s claims could proceed, including claims for attempted monopolization, unreasonable restraint of trade, deceptive trade practices and tortious interference with prospective business relations. 3D Systems did not move to dismiss Desotech’s patent infringement count.

The Court also granted Desotech the right to amend its allegations of illegal tying by 3DS in violation of the federal Sherman and Clayton Acts. The Court observed that, if Desotech ultimately prevails in the litigation, “Desotech’s victory would also be a win for consumers.”   

As Desotech is committed to fair and robust competition in the market for large-frame SL resin and to protecting its intellectual property, it will vigorously pursue its action against 3D Systems. Desotech wants to ensure that customers continue to have a choice of resin suppliers for their large-frame SL machines and that innovation is rewarded through the protection of intellectual property rights.