Local division The Hague refuses to grant PI to Stratasys

The panel at the local division The Hague, consisting of Margot Kokke, Mojca Mlakar, Robert van Peursem, and Koen Callewaert, did not grant a PI (case ID: UPC-CFI-305/2026). The American company Stratasys had filed a lawsuit against competitor Bambulab. Both companies compete in the global market for 3D printers.

The dispute concerns the infringement of Stratasys’ EP 2 964 450, which protects a 3D printing technology including cleaning elements. The EPO’s Opposition Division maintained the patent in amended form. EP450 as amended (B2 version) was published on 8 May 2024.

The German subsidiary of the Chinese company Bambulab launched its BambuLab H2C model at a trade fair. According to the organisers, the Formnext trade fair is a hub for additive manufacturing and an industry gathering in Frankfurt with around 800 exhibitors. Stratasys subsequently ordered one of the devices and tested it around the turn of the year 2025/26.

The UPC judges rejected the application for a PI, setting the value in dispute at one million euros. Applicant Stratasys must pay opponent Bambulab €112,000.

First ruling

According to JUVE Patent research, this is the first decision involving Robert van Peursem, who joined the local division The Hague at the beginning of March. He continues to work as Advocate General at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, primarily responsible for intellectual property cases, and as Deputy Advocate General at the Benelux Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Previously, he worked for many years at the District Court of The Hague and was also an external member of the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office.

A parallel revocation action is pending at the Paris central division (case ID: UPC-CFI-0001952/2025). There is also a patent dispute at the US District Court in Texas, where Bambulab previously entered the market with its BambuLab model.

Multinational teams

Stratasys works with Simmons & Simmons lawyers Peter Meyer, Stephanie Nottrott, Simon Steurer, Oscar Lamme, and Xiao Liu and is a regular client of the firm.

Bambulab defended itself with a team from Bird & Bird including Carlos van Staveren, Tjibbe Douma, Andreas Obermeier, Frodo Ferro, Nathalie Steurrijs, Anne Halbach and Jascha Dikker.