Runcorn nano-material firm Nanoco Group plc said it “has moved to add Apple Inc as a named co party in the existing litigation that Shoei Chemical Inc. and Shoei Electronic Materials, Inc. brought against Nanoco in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.”

Nanoco added in a stock exchange statement: “The Board of Nanoco feel it is important to emphasise to investors that the move to add Apple as a co party does not increase the materiality or potential value of this claim.

“It is a step in the litigation that Shoei has brought against Nanoco, prompted by the positions Shoei has taken in the litigation.

“The Board will continue to update shareholders as appropriate.”