On May 25, the Eastern High Court in Copenhagen revoked a preliminary injunction against Danisco* and awarded the company 1.5 million DKK (Danish krone) in costs. The Novozymes patent in question involves a process of manufacturing an animal feed composition by steam pelleting which contains enzyme granules. The court's decision restores Danisco's ability to engage in commercial activities in Denmark and provide customers with innovative solutions in the animal feed business. This decision is also in alignment with an earlier decision on July 7, 2011, by the European Patent Office, where the EPO revoked Novozymes' patent in its entirety.
This decision comes the same month as a court in Wisconsin, United States, also found in favor of Danisco in a separate patent case between Novozymes and Danisco, finding a Novozymes patent related to enzymes in the ethanol industry invalid.
Below is a statement from Soonhee Jang, vice president, IP Strategy and Chief IP Counsel, DuPont Industrial Biosciences.
"We are gratified and very pleased about the Danish court's ruling to revoke a preliminary injunction. This outcome recognizes our rights in the marketplace as a true innovator and maintains the rights of customers to access innovative technologies. We intend to continue to vigorously pursue all available avenues to protect our products and the market."
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
* In May of 2011, Danisco was acquired by DuPont.
Contacts:
DuPont
Wendy Rosen, +1-650-846-4940
wendy.rosen@dupont.com
