Huntsman’s Textile Effects division has taken out a lawsuit against Zheijiang Longsheng Group and its subsidiaries Zhejiang Keyong Chemical and Shanghai Colva Dyestuff for infringing its Chinese patent on black dyes.

The US-based company is seeking damages amounting to 231 million yuan, or $36 million, and an injunction against further infringement.

The action follows a decision by the Shanghai High Court in May 2013 that found Shanghai Colva Dyestuff had infringed Huntsman’s intellectual property rights by making and selling Colvazol Super Black LC-G and LC-R products. The Chinese firm was ordered to stop manufacturing and selling the dyes and to pay statutory damages to Huntsman.

Paull Hulme, president of Huntsman Textile Effects, said the company would “vigorously pursue” those who make and sell infringing products and obtain full compensation.

Intellectual property protection is an ongoing issue in China. In July this year, Ineos said it was close to resolving its dispute with China’s state-owned company Sinopec about the alleged unlicensed use of its acrylonitrile technology.