Nutrinova has begun proceedings against the Chinese manufacturer Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals Co. Ltd. and against the Dutch trading company Arnold Suhr International BV in London's High Court for the alleged infringement of its patent for the production of the high intensity sweetener Acesulfame K (AcK), which is marketed under the brand name Sunett®. Nutrinova claims Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals use a process for the production of AcK, covered by a Nutrinova's patent. Zhangjiagang Hope Chemicals manufactures AcK in China and Arnold Suhr International BV imports and sells such AcK. "We are not willing to tolerate any unauthorised business activities infringing our valid patent rights for the production of AcK in any part of the world," said Dr. Manfred Boehshar, vice president of Nutrinova in charge of the sweetener business. "This action, which follows a thorough and comprehensive investigation, is another step in strengthening our patent enforcement strategy." Already in 1999, Nutrinova took action against Scanchem UK Ltd. because it imported and sold AcK made by Beijing VitaSweet Corp. Ltd., another Chinese manufacturer. In May 2000, the court found the relevant claims of Nutrinova's patent were valid and infringed by Scanchem. Source: Nutrinova
