Prosyma Research Ltd report to Madison Filter Group Ltd.

S F Bush

Introduction

The appellant’s (SEFAR) patent specification (EPO-355 400 B2) strikes me as having been drawn up by someone with a mainly theoretical knowledge of filtration practice and textile fabric coated products and processes. The same comments apply to the reasons given by the Patent authorities (Opposition Division) for the decision (21 July 1997) to uphold SAFAR’s patent against the appeal for revocation by Sartorius AG. As it is possible that SEFAR believe that this decision will help their case against Madison, this report looks at the reasons for the decision alongside the SEFAR patent itself and a variety of prior art.