On September 22, Hortidaily published an article about Natural Brands and Laserfood (the English version can be found here). Now, there is a rebuttal from EcoMark itself:
The term "natural brand" is used by Laserfood as a word mark, not a technology. However, on May 5, 2020, the trademark "Natural Branding" was declared invalid by the European Union Intellectual Property Office due to its descriptive features (invalid number 000029701C). For this reason, EcoMark-and any other company-is allowed to use the description of "natural brand" to laser mark fruits and vegetables. Currently, the lawsuit is still pending in the Court of Appeal. The new decision is expected to confirm this, because no new evidence was presented in the appeal.
The 510/2013 regulation mentioned is about the use of iron oxide and hydroxide (E 172) as contrast enhancers after laser processing of fruits, not about the laser processing itself. Using laser technology on fruits and vegetables is not a protected process, so almost anyone can use it. In this regard, there is no problem of "competitor fraud". The only protected process is the patent for spraying fruits and vegetables with special liquids after laser treatment (see also Regulation 510/2013). However, the liquid is not approved for use in organic products and has no connection with the term "natural brand". This is why in the organic field, only unpatented pure laser technology is used.
In 2018, EOSA won the Sustainable Packaging Award, not because of Laserfood’s technology, but because of the basic use of laser technology instead of packaging. At that time, EOSA also owned the Natural Branding machine of EcoMark Ltd.
While Laserfood is still using the term "natural light label", the term "natural brand" has obviously been used by EOSA and EcoMark for a long time. Laserfood did not apply for the "Natural Brand" trademark until "Natural Brand" was accepted as the term for laser labeling of fruits and vegetables, and then used it on its own.
Laserfood is not the inventor of fruit and vegetable laser branding technology, nor is it a market leader. The technology is also continuously optimized for use in fruits and vegetables. For example, EcoMark now provides special laser technology for specific products not offered by any other machine manufacturer.
"When a good system is available for purchase, it doesn't make economic sense to build your own laser," said Richard Neuhoff, managing director of EcoMark Ltd.. "Of course-you can save money by buying laser components at a cheap price," Neuhoff added. "However, the development of a good laser requires a lot of work, and it is impossible for a small company like EcoMark to provide global services for it," he said. That will only lead to customer dissatisfaction! "
EcoMark Ltd focuses on developing its own software to gain a competitive advantage in processing and procedures, and ultimately increase productivity. There is currently no faster product identification than EcoMark. "With our philosophy, we can easily respond to customer needs and increase productivity. After all, in addition to the environmental reasons of the natural brand, the final decisive factor is the productivity and the profitability of the mark. This is how EcoMark can use the new "NB 12003 Professional" "Machine scoring." The combination of fast 3D camera evaluation for product identification and 120W laser power can already sell EcoMark several times.
"At present, our NB machines are mainly used for marking organic products. However, due to its cost-effectiveness, the requirements for conventional products are becoming higher and higher. It is impossible to be cheaper than using laser marking, especially for large-volume marking. Mark."
EcoMark claims that every customer can immediately react to the ripeness of the fruit, for example, or create a new product with a new logo on its own. After all, this is our customers' daily work. However, if you need help, it is usually very fast, so there is usually no support fee. “At the same time, we live on a good reputation and further advice,” said Richard Neuhoff, managing director of EcoMark Ltd..
For more information: Richard Neuhoff EcoMark GmbH Gumbinnenstraße 4 Neuwied 56566 Tel: 49 (0)2631 / 8244-100 Fax: 49 (0)2631 / 8244 29 Email: info@eco-mark.de Website: www.eco- mark.de
Publication date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 © HortiDaily.com / Contact
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