Veolia and Heuking land win against Supratec

Veolia brought the suit against competitor Supratec over wastewater treatment technology. Düsseldorf Regional Court’s Chamber 4b under presiding judge Carsten Haase, found in favour of the French company (case ID: 4b O 53/24). The judges ruled that Supratec’s products infringe EP 2 473 258. This patent protects a combination of gas sparger and immersed membrane module.

The technology cleans hollow fibre membranes in large sewage treatment plants. Wastewater flows through the membranes, allowing dirt particles to adhere to them. The patented technology then cleans the membranes by directing air upwards along them. As the air rises, it draws dirt particles to the water surface where they can be removed.

First appeal in 2026

The Düsseldorf injunction concerns specific versions of the H product range from Supratec Gesellschaft für Umwelt- und Verfahrenstechnik. The German company primarily manufactures aeration and filter technology for large sewage treatment plants. The company has business in various European countries as well as outside Europe. Shortly after the publication of the judgement Supratec filed an immediate appeal.

The appeal bears the file number I-2 U 1/26, making it the first appeal to reach the Higher Regional Court this year. Supratec has also challenged the validity of the patent-in-suit at the Federal Patent Court. However, the latter court will not hear the case until April 2027.

JUVE Patent is not aware of any further cases between the two competitors.

Heuking vs Grünecker

Originally, Zenon Technology developed EP 258, with French patent attorneys from Marks & Clerk filing the application. Zenon has since been acquired by Veolia. The French group manages its intellectual property through its IP holding company, BL Technologies.

A mixed patent team from Heuking filed the action at Düsseldorf Regional Court. Lawyers Anton Horn and Birthe Struck led the case, with patent attorney Detlef Raasch handling the technical aspects. The team frequently represents French companies in Germany.

Supratec’s defence team comprises a Munich-based group from Grünecker. Partner and lawyer Ulrich Blumenröder leads the team, with support from Julia Traumann. Partner and patent attorney Rainer Bertram handles the technical aspects.