Nutrinova Clarifies IP Holdings

Nutrinova Clarifies IP Holdings

FRANKFURT, GermanyNutrinova,a supplier of acesulfame K, released a statement to set the record straightregarding its intellectual property portfolio after receiving an increasingnumber of inquiries on the patent situation involving Sunett® brand of Ace-K.In March 2005, the patent for production of Ace-K will expire for variouscountries; however, the patent will remain valid in Canada until September 2007for products manufactured and sold in Canada. Nutrinova also holds two patentson the key intermediate of the manufacturing process of Ace-K, which are validin the United States until 2008 (U.S. Patent No. 5,011,982) and 2009 (Patent No.5,103,046), respectively. In addition, Nutrinova holds patents for a processimprovement step, which will remain intact until 2015 in the United States andin other countries until 2013. Furthermore, Nutrinova holds patents coveringproducts (e.g. sweetener salts), application products (e.g. cola and otherflavored beverages) and formulations for different applications (e.g. improvedsweetener blends in candy or dairy products). Altogether, more than 30 patentfamilies confirm Nutrinova as the innovative supplier for Ace-K, the statementread. We are the inventor and market leader of Acesulfame K and have alwaysbeen at the forefront of this market, said Arthur Steinmetz, chief executiveofficer of Nutrinova (www.nutrinova.com). We will continue to hold thisposition in the years ahead by delivering consistent high quality to ourcustomers, combined with further patented developments and innovation around Sunett.