Lonza Files Patent Infringement Lawsuits

FAIR LAWN, N.J.--Lonza Inc., a subsidiary of Basel, Switzerland-based Lonza Group Ltd., filed patent and trademark infringement lawsuits against five companies for infringing on its patent for L-carnitine L-tartrate. Suits were filed against Carnitech Inc. and Barrington Chemical Corp. in the District Court for the Southern District of New York; against Stauber Performance Ingredients Inc. and DNP International Co. Inc. in the District Court for the Central District of California; and against Axel Chemicals LLC in the District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Lonza (www.lonzagroup.com) is seeking an injunction and damages against Carnitech, Barrington, Stauber and Axel Chemical for infringing on U.S. Patent No. 5,073,376; the patent covers sold oral dosage forms, including tablets and capsules, of L-carnitine L-tartrate for human consumption. Lonza is seeking an injunction and damages against DNP for violation of Lonza's registered trademark CARNIKING and violation of several patents relating to the use of L-carnitine for animal nutrition.

According to Reto Rieder, global director, nutrition, for Lonza Inc., the company has been monitoring the situation for several months. "We believe we now have collected enough evidence to support our case," he said.

When contacted for comment, a spokesman for Axel Chemical said he was still reviewing the situation. Calls to the other companies for comment had not been returned at press time.