EMGS confirms that three of its patents that are disputed by Schlumberger Holdings will remain valid.


The proceedings were launched by Schlumberger Holdings June 6, 2007.


The Dutch patent court stayed the proceedings until a decision by the European Patent Office, which is expected within three to four years. In doing so it disregarded Schlumberger's objections against a stay of proceedings. The court also upheld EMGS's assertion that it is the inventor of seabed logging and that EMGS was the first company to use EM to directly detect oil and gas reservoirs.


Terje Eidesmo, chief executive officer of EMGS, said, "This decision confirms that EMGS was the first company to use EM technology to directly detect hydrocarbons, that we can assert our patent position with clients, and that we can invoke our patents against third parties.


"The court's decision is welcome, although it is not material in terms of our ability to deliver on our business strategy. We do expect further patent challenges as more companies realize the nature of EMGS's EM technology and will continue to defend our patents in the interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders.”