Honeywell and DSM-Firmenich Resolve Patent Dispute Over High-Strength UHMWPE Fibers

On June 13, 2025, Honeywell and DSM-Firmenich jointly announced that they had reached a settlement regarding a patent dispute involving US Patent No. 10,280,532 and Honeywell’s Spectra® MG BIO Blue fiber. The terms of the agreement remain confidential, but both parties confirmed the matter has been resolved amicably.

Honeywell expressed satisfaction with the resolution and emphasized its commitment to delivering high-quality Spectra® MG BIO Blue fibers globally. This ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber boasts exceptional strength, being 15 times stronger than steel (by weight) and three times stronger than polyester (by volume), while remaining lightweight and compact.

The bright blue color of Spectra® MG BIO Blue fiber enhances surgical precision and efficiency, enabling medical professionals to work more safely and comfortably. For orthopedic surgeons, this fiber ensures safer knot security, smoother tying, and superior abrasion resistance, making it a trusted choice for demanding medical applications.

DSM-Firmenich also welcomed the settlement, reaffirming its focus on Ulteeva Purity™ UHMWPE fibers, which are known for offering the broadest range of colors and sizes. Since 2004, Ulteeva Purity™ has been a gold standard in minimally invasive surgery, designed for low-profile sutures that reduce tissue damage and anchor hole wear. The fiber offers unparalleled color differentiation, enhancing visibility in challenging surgical environments like open procedures and arthroscopy.

The dispute dates back to June 2023, when DSM Biomedical, a subsidiary of DSM-Firmenich, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Honeywell in a Delaware federal court. The lawsuit alleged that Honeywell’s Spectra® MG BIO Blue fibers unlawfully utilized patented technologies, seeking financial damages and a court order to halt Honeywell’s production, marketing, and sales of the product in the United States.

In August 2024, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) dismissed Honeywell’s inter partes review (IPR) request, upholding DSM-Firmenich’s patent. The contested patent protects a colored multifilament yarn used in medical devices, including color-coded UHMWPE sutures.

With the settlement now in place, both companies can focus on advancing their respective technologies. Honeywell will continue to supply its Spectra® MG BIO Blue fibers worldwide, while DSM-Firmenich remains dedicated to driving innovation in medical-grade fibers for minimally invasive surgery.