Recently, DSM-Firmenich has successfully defended its intellectual property in a decisive legal victory over Mara Renewables and its UK-based subsidiary, Algal Omega 3 (AO3). The UK High Court of Justice ruled that the companies unlawfully used DSM-Firmenich’s patented processing technology for algal-based docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), confirming the validity of DSM-Firmenich’s patent and the infringement by the defendants dating back to 2017.
At the core of the case is DSM-Firmenich’s proprietary biotechnology and downstream process engineering, which enable the production of high-purity algal DHA oils with superior sensory attributes. This technology represents a significant innovation in the field of nutritional ingredients.
Francois Scheffler, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development for DSM-Firmenich’s Health, Nutrition, and Care Business Unit, welcomed the ruling, stating, “This result confirms our contentions that Mara and AO3 have been unlawfully using DSM-Firmenich’s legitimate IP rights. We now intend to pursue a full recovery for the damages we have suffered on account of the infringement, and remain even more committed to further defending and enforcing our IP rights in the UK and elsewhere.”
