Division (12)

Tetra started developing Tetra Fast as early as in 1996. Tetra had obtained a Swiss patent (1996) and a European patent (1997) for the new technology and by the time of the Original Notification in Tetra I (18 May 2001) had filed at least four other patent applications. More than EUR [0-10] million had been spent in developing Tetra Fast by the end of 2000 and a further investment of EUR [0-10] million was foreseen for the year of the Original Notification. Tetra’s had carried out or commissioned studies in respect of the technology in 2000. Tests had also been carried out at or by university centres and institutes in 2000 and 2001. Tetra obtained safety approval requirements for the technology in 2000 and started field tests a few months before the Form CO was submitted to the Commission.