U.S. International Trade Commission Votes to Investigate Unlawful Importation of Ace-K Sweeteners from China Alleged to Infringe Celanese Patent

Wed, November 23 2016

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global technology and specialty materials company, today announced that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation into the unlawful importation into the United States of certain high-potency sweeteners, specifically Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), in response to the company’s recently filed complaint with the Commission.

The investigation centers on alleged violations of section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of high-potency sweeteners that are alleged to infringe U.S. Patent No. 9,024,016, owned by Celanese.

Celanese contends a number of Ace-K manufacturers have unlawfully introduced sweeteners made via Celanese’s patented technology from China into the United States market.

In the investigation, the Commission will consider a general exclusion order barring the importation of all infringing sweeteners.

Celanese continuously invests in manufacturing and quality improvements and is dedicated to robust research, development and customer support for the sweetener products manufactured by its patented process. The company intends to protect these investments to supply customers with quality engineered products, and intends to vigorously defend its patented technology against unlawful importation and uses in the United States.

Further details of this action by the USITC to initiate an investigation can be found here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2016/er1122ll689.htm

About Celanese

Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our two complementary business cores, Acetyl Chain and Materials Solutions, use the full breadth of Celanese’s global chemistry, technology and business expertise to create value for our customers and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation. Based in Dallas, Celanese employs approximately 7,000 employees worldwide and had 2015 net sales of $5.7 billion. For more information about Celanese and our product offerings, visit www.celanese.com or our blog at www.celaneseblog.com.

All registered trademarks are owned by Celanese International Corporation or its affiliates.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company or its customers will realize these benefits or that these expectations will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Other risk factors include those that are discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161123005672/en/

Celanese Corporation
Investor Relations
Surabhi Varshney, +1 972-443-3078
surabhi.varshney@celanese.com
or
Media Relations – Global
W. Travis Jacobsen, +1 972-443-3750
william.jacobsen@celanese.com
or
Media Relations Asia (Shanghai)
Helen Zhang, +86 21 3861 9279
lan.zhang@celanese.com
or
Media Relations Europe (Germany)
Jens Kurth, +49(0)69 45009 1574
j.kurth@celanese.com

Source: Celanese Corporation