Nutrinova wins patent case
Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals for infringement of it's European
patent for the manufacture of the high intensity sweetener
Acesulfame K (AcK).
Food ingredient company Nutrinova has won a legal battle against Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals for infringement of it's European patent for the manufacture of the high intensity sweetener Acesulfame K (AcK).
In April 2001, Nutrinova started legal action against Chinese diketene and derivatives company Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals and Arnold Suhr Netherlands in the High Court in London for infringement of its Acesulfame K (AcK) European patent.
According to a recent statement from Nutrinova, the judgement against Hope was given on 18 July 2002. With immediate effect, Hope is prevented from selling or offering for sale in the UK any infringing AcK, and the judge gave Hope 14 days to deliver any such infringing material. Hope was also ordered to pay damages to Nutrinova and the related costs of the action.
Commenting on what appears to be a clear cut case, Mr Justice Jacob stated: "The evidence […] points to infringement and nothing else".
"Nutrinova will continue to aggressively defend its Intellectual Property Rights", commented Stefan Reintgen, head of marketing & sales at Nutrinova.
German-based Nutrinova is a supplier of speciality ingredients for the food and beverage industries. The company invented Acesulfame K and markets this high intensity sweetener under the brand name Sunett.
