1. I have bought a Cinpres PEP licence, but I have heard about the legal battles over licences – do I need any other licences?
Not for using the full shot Cinpres PEP process, no.

2. I am using PEP exactly as instructed by Cinpres – can anyone else take me to court and win?
You may have heard rumours about the “overspill” technology but a recent UK court case emphasised that the technology was developed by someone who, at the time, was an employee of Cinpres. It is unwise to try to predict legal outcomes, but this should give you a clear defence against any action brought outside UK jurisdiction.

3. I am using PEP, but I don’t have a licence – what’s going to happen?
We are entitled to protect our intellectual property and legal rights and the investments of those who use our technologies legally and responsibly. The directors have a responsibility to ensure that this is done diligently.  We will make OEMs aware of illegal use of Cinpres protected technology, and ask them to take action to ensure that their suppliers do not put them in peril of interrupted supply should proceedings commence.

4. I keep hearing of other patents and licences.  Explain.
Licences for an overspill technology were being issued by other organisations, but in Europe, a court has decided that this patent has no validity. These licences were also available in the US, where they are legally valid, but (as of March 2007) these licences are only valid for a little over a year.  The organisations continue to sell them, however!  Cinpres patents for PEP technology were granted in 2004 in the US, and in 2006 in Europe.   It can be confusing – call us if you need further clarification.    

5. Do I have to pay product royalties?
Not unless this is agreed by both parties, and is written-in to the licence agreement.  This wouldn’t be usual. Some customers prefer this option. The choice is yours.

6. Can I buy a mould licence only?
Yes.

7. I have a Cinpres PEP licence, but I’ve heard about some potential problems surrounding the patent – if Cinpres loses the patent, then it wouldn’t have exclusive protection for this technology, so would I get my money back?
We’ve spent a lot of money with lawyers and the courts to protect our rights and our position in this respect and the legal and patent experts tell us that the PEP technology patents will now withstand any critical examination.

8. How long is a licence valid?
Normally for the life of the mould, or controller, which has been licenced.

9. I’ve bought a licence for a non Cinpres gas controller – can I transfer it to a new controller when it is replaced?
If you have a Cinpres licence for a gas controller, and the equipment is scrapped, you may transfer the licence to a new Cinpres controller, but the new controller must be despatched from our factory within two years of the purchase of the original licence.  All these conditions must be met.