Biotin patent: dsm-firmenich secures CN¥8.1M compensation in Chinese court

A court in Anhui Province, China, ruled that a local company infringed on dsm-firmenich’s patent (Patent # ZL 200480008505.7) on the intermediate production technology for biotin — also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H.

The court is granting dsm-firmenich CN¥8.1M (US$1.1M) in the case against Shengda (Zhejiang Shengda Bio-pharm and Anhui Shengda Bio-pharm). Shengda has appealed the judgment, while dsm-firmenich seeks a greater sum.

“Our biotin production technology sets the industry standard for quality and effectiveness,” comments Kelsey Achenbach, VP of pharma, health, nutrition and care at dsm-firmenich.

 “It is reassuring to see that the court is protecting legitimate intellectual property rights, supporting innovation, investment and economic development. We are strongly committed to safeguarding our intellectual property and technologies and will continue to take action when our rights are violated.”

While dsm-firmenich is satisfied by the Hefei Intermediate People’s Court's holding of infringement ruling, it has also filed an appeal with the Supreme People’s Court of China seeking higher compensation.

Biotin health benefits

Biotin is defined as an “essential product” by dsm-firmenich due to its benefits for human and animal nutrition and health. The company describes it as a “metabolic driver with important functions in skin, foot and hoof health.” 

The coenzyme is essential for gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis and the elongation of essential fatty acids. As such, it plays a role in the normal functioning of the reproductive and nervous systems, as well as the thyroid and the adrenal glands.

In human dietary supplementation, biotin is frequently referred to as the “beauty vitamin” due to its effects on hair and skin. According to dsm-firmenich, the supplement has applications in sports nutrition and weight management. 

The company took action against Shengda in June of last year. It previously won a similar case related to biotin intermediate production against Anhui Tiger Biochemical and Anhui Tiger Vitamin Industy, a different Chinese manufacturer.