MOSCOW, August 21 - RAPSI. Giesecke & Devrient GmbH (G&D), which specializes in printing banknotes, has sued the Russian Finance Ministry and Goznak, the Moscow Mint, for 429,000 Euros, claiming that they unlawfully use patent protected technologies, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI).

G&D has patented banknote protection technology using optical components which change color depending on the angle of view. G&D claims that this technology has been used to protect rubles from counterfeiting without its consent.

The ministerial counsel said the ministry cannot act as a defendant as it is not entitled to issue banknotes. Goznak agreed with this and has requested to involve the Central Bank as it is responsible for issuing rubles.

The court has declared a recess until August 28. RAPSI has yet to reach the parties for comments.

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH was established in 1852. It supplies many different banknotes, including euros, produces ID cards and provides protection for bank and SIM cards. G&D also printed tickets for the Moscow Olympic Games in 1979.

The claim was filed in the Moscow Commercial Court.