InterHealth Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Sabinsa

BENECIA, Calif.--InterHealth Nutraceuticals Inc. filed a complaint, made public Aug. 9, against Piscataway, N.J.-based Sabinsa Corp. for infringing on three of its patents and its trademark covering niacin-bound chromium polynicotinate. As a result, InterHealth is seeking an injunction against continued infringement of its patent and trademark rights, and award of damages based on Sabinsa's "willful and deliberate patent infringement." The complaint was filed mid-July in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California.

InterHealth's U.S. patents all relate to its niacin-bound chromium product ChromeMate® Patent No. 4,923,855, issued May 8, 1990, involves supplementing with niacin-bound chromium, particularly for improving glucose tolerance. Patent No. 4,954,492, issued Sept. 4, 1990, relates to niacin-bound chromium's ability to lower blood lipid levels. And patent No. 5,194,615, issued March 16, 1993, covers a range of production claims, as well as the ability of a chromium-nicotinic acid complex to lower blood lipids and decrease blood glucose levels.

"InterHealth has long been known for its top-quality, proprietary ingredients that are predicated upon solid, scientific research," said William Seroy, chief executive officer (CEO) of InterHealth (www.interhealthusa.com). "We are committed to protecting our patents in the interest of our company and our customers who are licensed to use our ingredients in the products they manufacture."

In response to InterHealth's release, Todd Norton, president of Sabinsa (www.sabinsa.com), issued the following statement: "Sabinsa is a company recognized for its commitment to the development and protection of legitimate intellectual property, and we respect the rights of others who have made the same commitment. We encourage the industry as a whole to become greater advocates of this as well. As far as the issue at hand is concerned, the matter is being handled by our attorneys."