Dear colleagues,

Herein I would like to clarify my point of view about the legal dispute concerning the registered design with the Amann Girrbach AG and explain my course of action in this respect.
I have arranged a judicial review in Austria, which should clarify whether Amann Girrbach violates my technical patent rights on the Zirkograph with its Ceramill Base tool. Already, the decision has been made in Austria in this sense and as a result Amann Girrbach must immediately stop the production and sale of its Ceramill Base tool in Austria. Moreover, Zirkonzahn is entitled to sue for compensation (e.g. lost royalty) all laboratories which own or have owned the Ceramill Base tool.
In this case, the recourse to all available legal proceedings is a final reaction to the dishonourable and impudent way of proceeding of some competitors.
My invention, in which I had invested all my heart and soul, many ideas and much time, was unimaginatively copied by certain competitors in spite of a filed patent application, with the purpose to earn money in an easy and fast way. Nevertheless, I had to bear the investment risk and the development work alone.
However, the competitors do not stop constantly spreading incorrect rumours compromising both Zirkonzahn's and my reputation with the only purpose to obtain a sales benefit.
I would not like to get involved in such dishonourable way of acting and I prefer to let the concerned responsible courts make judgement.
Furthermore, I would point out that at no time I have given my consent to other enterprises for the reproduction of the Zirkograph and also I have not the slightest intention to sell Zirkonzahn or to merge with another enterprise.
I have built up Zirkonzahn with great passion and commitment and also in the future I will further work hard together with my entire team to put products on the market which make the work much easier and at the same time bring joy to the dental technician - and all this at absolutely fair prices - not least, also in order to shake large companies out of their complacency.

Kind regards from South Tyrol
Enrico Steger