Global mining-technology company IMDEX has launched actions in three countries to protect its “market-leading” patented technologies.

Action has been launched against drilling services provider Boart Longyear, its affiliates, and distributors through the US International Trade Commission, the Canadian Federal Court and the South African Commissioner of Patents.

The action relates to IMDEX’s core orientation patent and follows successful actions in the Federal Court of Australia in 2018 – against mining equipment company Globaltech Corporation which is majority-owned by Boart Longyear –  and with the US Patents and Trademarks Office in 2020, after a challenge by Boart Longyear.

IMDEX claims Boart Longyear’s TruCore orientation system infringes various patents held by IMDEX subsidiaries in the US, Canada and South Africa.

The patents cover IMDEX’s “market-leading” core orientation sensors, which allow customers to obtain high-quality data to ensure alignment of core samples.

In the US, IMDEX is seeking a ban on Boart Longyear importing its TruCore core orientation systems and renting them to US-based customers.

In Canada, IMDEX is seeking a ban on Boart Longyear importing, selling or renting the same core orientation tools in that country.

In South Africa, IMDEX is seeking restraining orders to prevent Boart Longyear using, selling or renting its TruCore orientation tools, as well as the destruction of the infringing tools and compensation for loss and damages.

IMDEX CEO Paul House says the legal action demonstrated the company’s ongoing intent to protect its rights where infringements occur.

“Our company continually invests in research and development to provide cutting-edge technologies and additional value for our global customers. Our intellectual property portfolio helps protect that investment.”

IMDEX has a successful history of upholding its intellectual property rights, claims House.

The company states that Boart Longyear remains a “highly-valued customer”, and stresses that the two have historically been able to maintain a separation between legal matters and their operational relationship.