RCM, RAM reach agreement in legal battle

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) and Royal Australian Mint (RAM) have entered into a cross-licensing agreement to end the intensifying dispute before the Federal Court of Australia relating to the circulation coin-colouring process.

The RCM was suing its Australian equivalent after an alleged patent infringement dating back to 2012. The RCM requested half a million $2 coins struck by the RAM – with a total value of $1 million – be turned over or destroyed. The Crown corporation also asked that the RAM be restrained from further patent infringement or from “making, selling, supplying or otherwise disposing of, using or keeping the infringing coins.” Lastly, the RCM demanded the delivery or supervised destruction of all of the RAM coins infringing the RCM patent as well as all related advertising and promotional materials still in RAM’s possession or control.

The recently reached collaboration agreement provides for an exchange of licenses and allows both mints to pursue their respective activities and business interests in a mutually-beneficial manner, according to a statement issued by the RCM this week.

“We are pleased to have reached a cooperative agreement that will support and protect the business interests of both our mints,” said Jennifer Camelon, RCM interim president and CEO. “It is very satisfying that we could find common ground that allows us to grow our respective international businesses, with the comfort of knowing our technologies are respected and protected.”

In addition to its domestic business, the RCM also seeks contracts in other countries. The RCM’s 2016 annual financial report states its foreign circulation business climbed 33 per cent over 2015 with $63.1 million in revenue.

“The RCM and RAM have ceased litigation and agreed to enter into a collaborative agreement on the principle of sharing technical knowledge and expertise, said RAM CEO Ross MacDiarmid.

“RAM and the RCM have a long-standing relationship defined by several past exchanges of technical data and information. This agreement is integral to current coin release programs, such as our commemoration of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) 1914 to 1918 period.”

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