Silberbug67, 

Let me see if I can help you here, and free up some of Peter's time. The short answer to your question is Yes, they both have patents, but no they do no infringe on one another. I will try to get, in Peter's words, "too star trek", in my explanation. 

Tekna uses Inductively Coupled Plasma, which very simply, is based on electromagentic induction. This is different than how Pyro produces their plasma. 

The second very important difference, which relates directly to the cost of production is feedstock. Tekna uses less spherical powder as a feedstock, and then introduces plasmam (ICP) and ithe powder is made into high quality powder. This is a very significant difference between the two powder production technologies. 

"Our technology allows you to transform crushed, atomized and sponged powders into dense spherical powders."

This quote was taken for TEKNA website (link below). Their process uses powder as a feedstock and a different type of plasma technology. As you can imagine their process adds an additional step before plasma. Pyro NexGen powder tech uses wire as a primary feedstock, (I believe they can also use powder feedstock) but the primary difference is the different type of plasma technology. 

Please review the below interview with Peter and Mr. Datillo, it should help you understand the significance of what is going on. Once you understand this interview read the NexGen press releases that came out a few months later. (Link also below)

Lastly, Peter has stated several times that the AM industry needs more powder suppliers and there is lots of room for other players. 

Hopefully I have saved him some time and if I got anything wrong he will no doubt correct me. 

Interview: 

http://blog.agoracom.com/2019/01/15/interview-pyrogenesis-pyr-ca-discusses-partnership-agreement-with-aubert-duval-to-supply-plasma-atomized-titanium-powder-to-european-union-additive-manufacturing-3d-printing-market/

NexGen:

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/19/1757033/0/en/PyroGenesis-Unveils-its-New-NexGen-Plasma-Atomization-System-Significant-Production-Advancements-for-AM-Powders.html 

Tekna:

http://www.tekna.com/our-icp-technology

Hope this helps. 

HK