RE:RE:News Release: Major Iron Ore Pelletization READ again!@maybe111-
You bring up a valid point re: tech theft. My read through the patent covering the use of plasma torches leads me to believe that it gives exclusivity for the idea for the use of plasma torches in this process to PYR, but does not require the use of PYR torches. However I have no legal training so it would be nice if anyone on the board could take a pass at this and weigh in w/ a more nuanced opinion.
If my understanding of this is correct than PYR would stand to accrue steady income in the form of ongoing royalty payments from any company choosing to use the HYBRIT or any other process utilizing any plasma torch for pelletization of minerals would it not? Therefore reverse engineering is a non-starter as the addition of any plasma torche immediately infringes on their patent. As far as outright breaking the patent I can think of multiple ways of severe retailiation on that front including but not limited to, punitive tariffs on all steel products 8from the offender, passing laws requiring use of certified "enviornmentally clean" steel for that include recognizance/payment of all applicable process royalties, the list goes on and on. I also doubt that any major iron ore/steel producer is even going to want to open that can of worms to start with.
In a nutshell, PYR may not always win the actual torch sale every time but will still have ongoing royalty income from any producer utilizing plasma torches in the industry for quite some time to come. Furthermore, having been part of the original development of the idea they have a proven, tested, and vetted, piece of the process giving future customers the security of not having to worry if a competitor's equipment is going to stand up to expectations.
Sounds like Win-Win to me!