DSM-Firmenich has secured a favorable first instance judgment in China for patent infringement against Shandong Haineng Bioengineering Co. Ltd., holding that the manufacturing, sales and offer-for-sale of two Haineng swine compound premixes containing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 constitute unlawful use of DSM-Firmenich patented technology.
DSM-Firmenich is a pioneer and a world leading manufacturer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 – the major circulating form of vitamin D – which is widely used in animal feed as Hy-D, as well as other applications, the company said in a press release.
With the recent judgment, Qingdao Intermediate People’s Court in China holds Haineng’s infringement of DSM-Firmenich patented technology and orders Haineng to pay compensation for the infringement. While it is pleased with the holding of infringement, DSM-Firmenich has appealed the judgement for higher compensation. Haineng has also appealed the judgement.
“I would like to express our gratitude to the court for their diligent consideration of the facts and their holding of infringement. This judgement is a validation of our commitment to protecting our intellectual property and our leading scientific innovation in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 area. We remain dedicated to scientific research and will continue to defend our ideas and products against any infringement,” said Fidelis Fru, head of business development Animal Nutrition & Health at DSM-Firmenich.
“We look forward to moving ahead with confidence and continuing to provide our customers with the highest-quality products and services designed to support the sustainability and success of the animal feed and animal protein sectors.”
