CONSERVATORY firm Ultraframe has been taken to court by one of its main rivals in a row over one of its products.

But the Clitheroe market leader and its closest rival, Bolton's K2 Conservatories, have both claimed success after the complex hearing at the Patents County Court in London.

K2's parent company the Burnden Group hailed a victory for the industry after Judge Fysh revoked an Ultraframe patent for part of its conservatory roof system.

Ultraframe's chief executive David Moore announced the Clitheroe company had also had one of K2's patents revoked at the same hearing.

He was quick to stress that Ultraframe had been awarded costs, which he believes will cost Burnden more than £300,000.

And he said Ultraframe had already agreed to drops its rights to its disputed patent before the hearing.

"This is an expensive defeat for Burnden and a substantial financial recovery for Ultraframe," insisted Mr Moore.

"I am surprised that Burnden are claiming a "victory" in this case, given the judge's ruling on costs and his refusal to give Burnden permission to appeal.

"As a business, we continue to make substantial investments in innovation and product development to raise standards within the industry for the benefit of consumers, customers and the conservatory market as a whole."

The Burnden Group managing director Gary Fielding maintained they had scored an important victory over Ultraframe.

He said: "We want to be part of a developing industry which recognises and rewards innovation and enterprise, and where no supplier should benefit from exploiting an anti-competitive position.

"It is well known that invalid patents are stifling product development and innovation, as well as hindering entrepreneurial spirit in the conservatory industry."

"While substantial costs have been incurred in bringing this action, the battle for us is not about money.

"It's about encouraging innovation for the benefit of all the industry, fabricators, installers and ultimately consumers.

"We will continue to campaign hard to create a level playing field, which opens up competition across the conservatory industry."