Westmont, Illinois - MAN Roland is fully committed to defending its intellectual property rights that form the basis of its ROTOMAN-S web press system (The “S” stands for sleeve technology). The pledge comes in response to a suit filed recently by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen against the world’s leading maker of web press systems. In renouncing the legal action, MAN Roland also vowed to support users of ROTOMAN-S presses if they are harassed by any other press manufacturer. “It’s time to set the record straight about the status of our ROTOMAN-S web press,” said Yves Rogivue, CEO of MAN Roland Inc. in a letter to ROTOMAN-S users. “You might have been informed by Heidelberg that the ROTOMAN-S infringes on its sleeve blanket patents. Such is not the case. The exclusive design of the ROTOMAN-S does not encroach on any patents. Ours is a unique technology.” The two rival pressmakers have been discussing the issue of sleeve technology for over three years. “During that time, MAN Roland repeatedly provided irrefutable evidence of the unique nature of its sleeve design. Yet Heidelberg chooses to ignore the facts,” Rogivue said. “Instead, it has tried to spread fear and doubt in an effort to intimidate printers.” According to public records, in the U.S. and in other nations, MAN Roland owns numerous patents and intellectual property rights on a wide range of innovations. The company’s anisotropic sleeve technology is only one example of the many innovations that the company has patented. “We respect and honor the valid intellectual property rights of others and expect them to afford our customers and us the same courtesy,” Rogivue declared. “So we will not idly stand by when a competitor resorts to unsupported allegations to try to attain a marketplace advantage.” According to MAN Roland, printers should be free to choose the technology that’s best for their operations and your clients’ needs. “That means their selection should be made on the basis of innovation rather than intimidation,” Rogivue noted. Editor's Note: Heidelberg declined to comment on MAN Roland's press release stating that the company does not discuss pending legal matters.