Method for Treating Alloy - Sumitomo Metal Mining
Summary
The European Patent Office published patent EP4108349A1 for Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., covering a method for treating alloy. The patent relates to processes for recovering and treating metal alloys including those used in batteries, with applications in recycling and materials processing. Designated states include all EU member states plus associated countries.
What changed
The EPO published European patent application EP4108349A1 for Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. on March 25, 2026. The patent covers methods for treating alloys including recovery and processing techniques relevant to battery materials (H01M 10/54), metal recycling (B09B 3/00), and powder metallurgy (B22F 1/00). The designated states cover all EU member states and several EEA-associated countries.
Manufacturers in the battery materials, metal recycling, and alloy processing sectors should review the patent claims to assess potential licensing requirements or freedom-to-operate considerations. The patent's broad IPC classifications spanning C22B (non-ferrous metals), B09B (waste treatment), and H01M (batteries) indicate wide potential applicability in the battery supply chain and recycling industry.
What to do next
- Review patent EP4108349A1 claims for potential overlap with existing or planned manufacturing processes
- Assess licensing requirements if operating in designated EU states
- Consult IP counsel regarding freedom-to-operate analysis for alloy treatment processes
Source document (simplified)
METHOD FOR TREATING ALLOY
Publication EP4108349A1 Kind: A1 Mar 25, 2026
Applicants
SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
Inventors
TAKENOUCHI Hiroshi, ASANO Satoshi, HEGURI Shin-ichi, SHOUJI Hirofumi, KUDOU Keiji, MATSUOKA Itsumi, SANJO Shota, MATSUGI Takumi
IPC Classifications
C22B 3/06 20060101AFI20251119BHEP C22B 3/08 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 3/38 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 3/42 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 3/46 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 1/02 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 5/04 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 7/00 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 15/00 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 19/20 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22B 23/00 20060101ALI20251119BHEP B09B 3/00 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B09B 3/35 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B09B 3/70 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B22F 1/00 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B22F 1/05 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B22F 1/145 20220101ALI20251119BHEP B22F 9/08 20060101ALI20251119BHEP H01M 10/54 20060101ALI20251119BHEP C22C 1/04 20060101ALI20251119BHEP
Designated States
AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR
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