Kevlar is a brand of para-aramid synthetic fiber developed by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965. Today, DuPont remains the owner and primary manufacturer of Kevlar.

Key Points About DuPont and Kevlar:

1. DuPont: DuPont is an American multinational company specializing in the production of a wide range of materials, chemicals, and technologies. DuPont developed Kevlar in the 1960s as a high-strength, lightweight fiber for use in various industrial applications. The company holds the patent for Kevlar and has been the sole producer of the material for many years.

2. Product Ownership: DuPont retains the intellectual property rights for Kevlar, including its patents and trademarks. This means that any product labeled "Kevlar" is typically produced or licensed by DuPont or one of its authorized partners.

3. Licensing: DuPont licenses the Kevlar technology to various manufacturers and companies across different industries. For example, Kevlar is widely used in body armor, sports equipment, automotive parts, protective clothing, and fiber-optic cables. In some cases, other companies may produce materials that are similar to Kevlar but are not authorized to use the Kevlar brand name.

4. Kevlar's Market: While DuPont remains the primary producer of Kevlar, other companies have also developed similar high-performance fibers, such as Twaron (made by Teijin), Dyneema (made by DSM), and Vectran (made by Kuraray), which can sometimes be used as alternatives to Kevlar, particularly in protective clothing and ballistic armor.

5. Research and Development: DuPont continues to invest in the research and development of Kevlar and its applications. Over the years, the company has created new variations of Kevlar, such as Kevlar XP, which offers improved performance in terms of stab resistance and cut protection.

Conclusion:

DuPont is the original inventor and current owner of the Kevlar brand and the associated patents. The company maintains its position as the leader in the market for high-performance aramid fibers, though other companies have developed similar materials.