June 19, 2007 -- In response to recent allegations of patent infringement by Furukawa Electric North America, Inc. (FENA) and its wholly-owned subsidiary OFS Fitel LLC, Draka Comteq has issued the following statement:
"Apparently, Furukawa Electric North America, Inc. or its wholly-owned subsidiary OFS Fitel LLC (collectively Furukawa) has indicated that Furukawa may initiate legal proceedings against Draka Comteq America's, Inc.
Draka Comteq America's, Inc. has not received any claim or any court document from Furukawa in connection with any alleged patent infringement or any other alleged breach of obligations.
Furthermore, Draka Comteq America's, Inc. has not been contacted by Furukawa on any legal matter. Draka Comteq America's, Inc. is therefore unaware of any legal actions or any alleged patent infringement reported on in the press."
Mr. J. Blanc, chief operating officer of Draka Comteq (of which Draka Comteq America's, Inc is a fully owned subsidiary) stated, "Draka Comteq is an industry leader in the area of intellectual property (IP) and, as such, we take our position surrounding IP, as well as our obligations as good corporate citizens, very seriously. We are confident that any proceedings by Furukawa that may challenge our products or activities in the marketplace will be decided upon favourably to Draka Comteq, if Furukawa would decide to take such action."
