Lonza Files Patent Infringement Lawsuits 40331

Lonza Files Patent Infringement Lawsuits

FAIR LAWN, N.J.--Lonza Inc., a subsidiary ofBasel, Switzerland-based Lonza Group Ltd., filed patent and trademarkinfringement lawsuits against five companies for infringing on its patent for L-carnitineL-tartrate. Suits were filed against Carnitech Inc. and Barrington ChemicalCorp. in the District Court for the Southern District of New York; againstStauber Performance Ingredients Inc. and DNP International Co. Inc. in theDistrict Court for the Central District of California; and against AxelChemicals LLC in the District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Lonza 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 solid oral dosage forms, including tablets andcapsules, of L-carnitine L-tartrate for human consumption. Lonza is also seekingan injunction and damages against DNP for violation of Lonza's registeredtrademark CARNIKING and violation of several patents relating to the use of L-carnitinefor animal nutrition.

According to Reto Rieder, global director, nutrition, for LonzaInc., the company has been monitoring the situation for several months. "Webelieve we now have collected enough evidence to support our case," hesaid.

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

For more information about Lonza, visit www.lonzagroup.comor Booth #1713-1719 at SupplySide West.