Hazer Group’s (ASX: HZR) key patent has been accepted by the European Patent Office (EPO).
The application pertaining to the process for controlling the morphology of Hazer graphite accepted by issuance of the Notification of the Intention to Grant. The approved claims relate to production of hydrogen from methane or natural gas using iron ore as a catalyst and doing so in a manner which optimises creation of high value graphite co-products.
This is a very positive development and Hazer now has the option to extend the coverage and secure protection in any or all of the 39 European Patent Member States. This includes all the member states of the European Union (including major jurisdictions Germany, France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden etc) together with Albania, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Montenegro.
Allowance of the European patent follows the grant of the same patent in other jurisdictions of commercial relevance to Hazer, such as, Japan, United States, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Hazer has a leading global position in methane pyrolysis and the production of low-cost clean hydrogen and graphite with our proprietary technology,” CEO and MD, Glenn Corrie, said.
“Maintaining this advantage with strong Intellectual Property rights protection is of strategic importance to our commercialisation plan. Hazer graphite is an important and unique component of the Hazer process that has significant upside value potential.
“Through both our partnership with Mitsui and independently we continue to explore and develop markets for Hazer Graphite, to further position the Company as the preferred technology provider for major industrial partners seeking a decarbonisation solution.”