Nutrinova, The Innovative Supplier Of Acesulfame K, Sets The IP Record Straight

With the expiration of an important patent for the production of Acesulfame K starting in March 2005, Nutrinova is receiving an increasing number of inquiries on the patent situation of its high intensity sweetener Sunett® (Acesulfame K). In order to meet this demand for information, Nutrinova has decided to set the record straight regarding its intellectual property portfolio.

Nutrinova, the inventor of and market leader for the high-intensity sweetener Sunett® (Acesulfame K), has been continuously improving its production process, quality and application know-how, which has lead to a substantial patent portfolio in all these areas.

First of all, for North America, it is important to note that the process patent, which expires in various countries starting in March 2005, will be valid in Canada until September 2007 (patent no. CA 1,273,923), for products sold or manufactured in Canada.

Nutrinova also holds two patents on the key intermediate of the manufacturing process of Acesulfame K, which are valid in the USA until 2008 (patent no. US 5,011,982) and 2009 (patent no. US 5,103,046) respectively. Furthermore, Nutrinova has patents for a process improvement step, which will remain in force in the USA until 2015, in other countries until 2013. Additional patents cover products (e.g. sweetener salts), application products (e.g. cola and other flavored beverages) and formulations for different applications (e. g. improved sweetener blends in candy or dairy products). Altogether, more than 30 patent families confirm Nutrinova as the innovative supplier for Acesulfame K.

"Especially in the USA, the most innovative market for high intensity sweeteners, Nutrinova's capability to deliver innovation and consistent high quality is of enormous importance to our customers," comments Graham Hall, President & Chief Operating Officer of Nutrinova Inc., in the USA.

Arthur Steinmetz, CEO of Nutrinova, concludes: "We are the inventor and market leader of Acesulfame K and have always been at the forefront of this market. We will continue to hold this position in the years ahead by delivering consistent high quality to our customers, combined with further patented developments and innovation around Sunett®".

Nutrinova is a leading international supplier of specialty ingredients for the food and beverage industries. The company invented Acesulfame K and markets this high intensity sweetener under the brand name Sunett®. Nutrinova is one of the world's largest producers of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid and is also active in the market for dietary fibers and omega-3 fatty acids. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, Nutrinova has fourteen affiliates throughout the world.

Source: Nutrinova