DSM pursues biotin patent suit against China’s Anhui Tiger

07 Aug 2018 --- DSM is pursuing a patent infringement lawsuit in China against a competitor for what it calls the “misappropriation of intellectual property” pertaining to the production of a key ingredient of Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H). On August 2, 2018, DSM IP Assets BV and two related operating group companies, DSM Vitamins (Shanghai) Ltd. and DSM Vitamins Trading (Shanghai) Ltd. served a suit against Anhui Tiger in China for patent infringement.

By their complaint, DSM seeks an injunction preventing Tiger from using an innovative, patented process for the “environmentally friendly” manufacture of a key ingredient in biotin. In addition, DSM seeks monetary damages that result from Tiger’s infringement.

“Our business has always been focused on bringing new and innovative processes, advanced products and nutritional solutions to our customers in the animal and human micronutrient market. Developing and protecting intellectual property is a key component of our strategy to support our significant investments in that market. We are confident in the value and strength of our patent portfolio, and we will defend our intellectual property across the world when necessary. The present litigation underlines DSM’s seriousness and confidence in enforcing its IP-rights.” comments Dr. Thomas Beck, Senior Vice President Innovation, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.

Last week DSM reported a second-quarter core profit of €508 million (US$593.2 million), up 35 percent compared to Q2 2017, boosted by an “exceptional vitamin pricing environment” and cost cuts. The company has further confirmed its outlook for the full year, based on expectations of an Adjusted EBITDA growth towards 25 percent and a related higher ROCE growth.

NutritionInsight recently spoke with Jeremy Xu, President Human Nutrition & Health at DSM, who spoke about the company’s focus on human health and nutrition as well as the key trends informing its innovation cycle. You can read the full interview here.