Two Massachusetts based companies are involved in a lawsuit regarding the appropriate use of trade secrets to harness clean energy from construction site waste. Quantum Catalytics LLC, of Fall River and Texas Syngas of Cambridge filed suit against Ze-gen Inc. over allegations that Ze-gen is using patented information belonging to Quantum Catalytics.The technology allows materials such as wood and coal, which would otherwise be considered waste to be converted into forms of synthetic gas. The process involves chemical reactions dependent upon the use of molten metal and creates a cleaner form of energy than if the coal or wood were merely burned.
“There’s been about $200 million spent developing this technology and Ze-gen is attempting to use it for free,” David Sydow, the chief executive of Texas Syngas, says to the Patriot Ledger.
Bill Davis, the CEO of Ze-gen, disputes the claim. “It’s not the first time we have been sued by this particular collection of characters,” Davis says to the Patriot Ledger. “It’s a frivolous case. It has been brought by ‘patent trolls’ whose motives are to extort money from the company.”
Previously, the companies have attempted to negotiate a licensing agreement but those negotiations fell through. As a result, Quantum Catalytics and Texas Syngas do not believe that Ze-gen can use the technology.
The synthetic gas conversion is currently used primarily for research by the companies involved, but concerns over fair use may have escalated because the companies have plans to open commercial plants.
--Bridget O'Sullivan
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