NGM Sustainable Developments seeks the return of its“floating homes” patent and an injunction against its use.

Collins Solicitors has issued proceedings on behalf of NGM Sustainable Developments Ltd (NGM) against five defendants, including Hydro Properties Limited and its Managing Director Philip Wallis. The claim is in connection with the 13 acre freehold site to the North West side of Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey and the proposed development of a series of floating and ‘can-float’ residential homes.

The claim form and detailed particulars of claim seek rescission of various agreements entered into by NGM, including rescission of an irrevocable licence of the patent for floating and ‘can-float’ residential homes. The claim also seeks a permanent injunction restraining the use of the patent for any purpose whatsoever by the defendants or any of them or their servants or agents.

The claim is made by NGM against Phillip Wallis, Lizzano Limited, Cascina Limited, Kevin Reardon and Hydro Properties Limited.

Des Collins, Senior Partner of Collins Solicitors leading the team advising NGM, commented: “NGM was wrongfully deprived of the patent in 2010 and of the opportunity to share in the development of the land. We anticipate that in due course both the patent and the land will be returned to their rightful owners so that the land can be developed in the innovative way that NGM had planned, some years ago.”

The proceedings are issued in the Chancery Division of the High Court.

The international patent application is no. PCT/GB2009/050498, relating to floating buildings, including a buoyant basement structure or platform for a floating building and the method for constructing such a structure.

For further information, please contact Des Collins at Collins Solicitors on 01923 223 324 or dcollins@collinslaw.co.uk