01 April 08

Metalysis and BTi

Metalysis Ltd holds an exclusive licence from Cambridge Enterprise for the worldwide exploitation of the FFC Cambridge Process IPR across all special metals and related alloys. In addition, full legal title to the ownership of this IPR is being transferred to Metalysis.

In February 2006, British Titanium (BTi) launched a legal action against QinetiQ for breach of contract and against QinetiQ and Metalysis for conspiracy to cause that breach, claiming damages of $400million. This case related to the termination by QinetiQ of an exclusive sub-licence to BTi for the exploitation of the FFC Cambridge Process in respect of the refining of titanium and related alloys.

Metalysis and QinetiQ have consistently refuted BTi's allegations and believe them to be wholly without merit. Furthermore, both parties have robustly defended their actions as having been proper and lawful.

BTi, having gone to court, lost a Security for Costs hearing in April 2006. Unable to pay accumulated debts of £3.2m the company entered Administration. In April 2008, the Courts put BTi into compulsory liquidation and, shortly after, Metalysis successfully filed for judgement to strike the case out. The liquidation of BTi means that this company will be wound up in due course.

Metalysis views this dispute as being at an end and is focused upon developing and exploiting the FFC Cambridge Process in the global markets for special metals