A Chinese company has agreed to stop selling unauthorized R-410A-style refrigerant, Honeywell International officials recently announced.

Counterfeit R-410A was seized by customs officials in Italy Nov. 18, 2008. The Chinese makers of the refrigerant subsequently agreed not to manufacture, purchase or sell any products containing the refrigerant or other intellectual Honeywell property.

Honeywell is the inventor of R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant widely used in air-conditioning systems and other products.

“Honeywell has a track record of inventing and developing innovative technologies for the refrigeration market and we have invested substantial resources to commercialize our innovative refrigerant technology,” said Rene Mueller, managing director for Honeywell’s fluorines business in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “We are committed to making the investments and will continue to work diligently with authorities to protect our patents from infringement worldwide.”