USPTO Affirms Bioperine Patent Validity

PISCATAWAY, N.J.—Sabinsa Corp. (www.sabinsa.com) announced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) completed a formal review of U.S. patent No. 5,972,382 (“Use of piperine as a bioavailability enhancer”) and concluded all points outlined within the patent, which covers Sabinsa’s Bioperine® ingredient, are valid. Todd Norton, president of Sabinsa, noted: “This independent review ensures that all claims outlined in this patent are valid, and that companies selling piperine-containing black pepper extracts for the express or implied purpose of nutrient absorption enhancement are clearly infringing on this patent. There really is no other purpose or application for using piperine in nutritional formulations. We hope that any company illegally selling black pepper extracts will cease and desist immediately.”