DSM wins yeast patent infringement case against Lallemand
18 May 2018 --- Dutch multinational Royal DSM has won a patent infringement case against Lallemand related to low-glycerol yeast technology applicable in ethanol production. A unanimous jury verdict in a Federal Court in Wisconsin, US, has concluded that all glycerol reducing ethanol yeast products sold by Lallemand infringe DSM's US Patent 8,795,998.
The ruling comes after DSM filed suit against Lallemand for infringement of its patent in US Federal Court following several failed attempts between the parties to settle out of court.
DSM alleged that Lallemand's glycerol reducing yeast products including Transferm Yield+ and YP3 used in the production of ethanol infringes on DSM's US 8,795,998 patent.
Following a seven-day trial, the jury concluded that the DSM patent is valid and is being infringed by Lallemand's glycerol reducing yeast products.
DSM says that its yeast technology for starch conversion provides consistently increased ethanol yields and significantly reduces glycerol production. DSM's yeast is commercially available in dry and cream forms, serviced by the company’s local technical team and manufactured in the US.
DSM adds that the company remains committed to growing and protecting its portfolio of more than 35 patent families for the biofuels industry in the US and around the world.
“We are happy with the outcome of the case. Our focus is to bring customers the latest in yeast technology allowing them to deliver the best fermentation results,” said Atul Thakrar, President of DSM Bio-based Products & Services.
“Continual development and protecting this intellectual property is a key component of our strategy that supports our significant biofuel investments. We are committed to delivering differentiating yeast and enzyme technologies that enable biofuel plant owners to optimize their processes and sustainably maximize their yields and profits.”
FoodIngredientsFirst has reached out to Lallemand for a response on the verdict.
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