BI Group Beefs up IP Protection.

SUTTON COLDFIELD, England -- A technology group focused on technical innovation in gas, metals, plastics and engineering has set up a specialist unit dedicated to 'seeking out' and bringing to court those who abuse its intellectual property (IP).

The BI Group employs 1,500 people and because its business is innovation, has spent tens of millions of dollars protecting its intellectual rights and those of its customers.

One of the Group's companies, Cinpres, won the longest running case in the English patent courts - and has brought legal actions in Europe, Asia and North America. The Managing Director of Cinpres, engineer Jon Butler, will lead the new unit.

"Any company engaged in R&D faces IP threats, ranging from companies making claims to the IP, to shoddy pirated technology being produced," he said.

"It's a particular problem in emerging economies but we've acquired expertise in this area. The IP unit will ensure we have the clout to protect ourselves and our customers, who may otherwise face unfair competition from rivals using pirated technology.

"We don't want our companies distracted by long-running, expensive court cases. So we've centralised our expertise, hired advisers from a number of

disciplines, and we're already seeking out threats to the Group and its customers."

Butler is coy about the resources allocated but says they are "substantial".

"The IP protection industry sometimes uses guarded language and I understand the reasons, but we'll be using plain, jargon-free language. We're not interested in softening the image - or being aggressive - just in plain speaking, to avoid misunderstandings.

"People misled by unethical suppliers have nothing to fear. On the contrary, our brands are best served by helping and supporting them to secure proper protection.

"But those engaged in systematic IP theft are in our sights and I'm indifferent about whether they feel threatened. It's irrelevant - it's a question of law and public administration and we'll bring offenders to court, period," he said.

Notes to editor:

BI Group Services Ltd was established at the start of 2009 by BI Group plc - part of the NI Group - with the remit to focus on extracting value from the intellectual assets of the wider group.

The company has a dedicated expert team of IP commercialisation and technology transfer specialists who are bringing the latest technology in manufacturing to the market place. It aims to add value and supply chain protection for OEMs and tier 1 companies in automotive, electronics and other sectors.

NI Group (National Industries) is a long established and highly respected multi national corporation headquartered in Kuwait. The group has a clear strategy to grow and protect its industrial assets.

CIN/169/09