Zürich, Switzerland / Paris, France – Materials AG, a Swiss innovation leader in antimicrobial technologies, today announced that it has entered into a License Agreement with Oberthur Fiduciaire and its subsidiary VHP Security Paper B.V. The agreement grants rights under HeiQ’s intellectual property portfolio covering the use of silver-based antimicrobial technology in overprint varnishes.
HeiQ’s patent – including European Patent EP2569165 and UK Patent GB2480275C – protect the use of silver antimicrobials in overprint varnishes applied to a wide variety of printed products. These include banknotes, checks, passports, certificates, identification cards, and lottery tickets, as well as consumer goods packaging, book and magazine covers. HeiQ is also the owner of the EU and UK BPR biocide registrations for silver, authorizing its use in antimicrobial hygiene applications. Unlike many other silver-based biocides that are being phased out, elemental silver remains fully approved and is here to stay.
With this License Agreement, Oberthur and VHP Security Paper are formally licensed to apply HeiQ’s patented antimicrobial technology in their specialty overprint varnishes and printed products, including the Bioguard® range of overprint varnishes used across global security printing markets.
“Oberthur and VHP Security Paper are recognized leaders in high-security printing, and this agreement underscores the value of HeiQ’s patented antimicrobial technology” said Tom Ellefsen, Head of HeiQ’s Antimicrobial Business. “This license ensures that customers worldwide can access patent-compliant antimicrobial overprint varnishes through Oberthur and its subsiadiary, while also reinforcing HeiQ’s commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property.”
“By securing this license from HeiQ, we are enhancing the Bioguard® family with scientifically proven, silver based antimicrobial protection” said Nicolas Koutros, Managing Director at Oberthur Fiduciaire. “Our customers – including central banks, government authorities, and brand owners – now benefit from the assurance of both functional protection and full patent compliance.”
Message to the Market
With this license in place:
- Buyers of antimicrobial print materials and overprint varnishes can now source fully patent-compliant Bioguard® solutions directly from Oberthur and VHP Security Paper.
- Printers ans varnish producers currently using antimicrobials additives without a license are reminded that HeiQ’s patents apply across Europe and the UK. HeiQ invites discussions with companies seeking their own license agreements to ensure freedom to operate and continued market access.
About HeiQ
Established in 2005 during a hike through the Swiss Alps, HeiQ was born from a moment of inspiration between co-founders Carlo Centonze and Dr. Murray Height. Motivated by solving everyday challenges through science – like persistent odors in hiking shirts – they embarked on a mission to revolutionize material innovation. As a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, HeiQ has grown into a global leader in biotech ingredients and specialty chemicals. We serve over 1,000 partners in 60+ countries, offering innovative solutions for textiles, flooring, building materials, glass, plastics probiotic cleaning, cosmetics, and more.
About Oberthur Fiduciaire
Oberthur Fiduciaire is a leading global supplier of high-security printing solutions. With a strong heritage in banknote production, security documents, and specialty coatings. Oberthur combines tradition with innovation to deliver trusted solutions to governments, institutions, and commercial partners worldwide.
About VHP Security Pper B.V.
Based in Netherlands, VHP Security Paper is a subsidiary of Oberthur Fiduciaire specializing in the development and production of high-security papers used in banknotes, passports, and other sensitive documents.
