ZeaVision, DSM Settle Patent Dispute

ZeaVision, DSM Settle Patent Dispute

ST.LOUIS & PARSIPPANY, N.J.ZeaVision LLC and DSM Nutritional Productsjointly announced a settlement agreement resolving a patent dispute about thesale and promotion of zeaxanthin. ZeaVision LLC filed a lawsuit in U.S. DistrictCourt for the Eastern District of Missouri in February 2003 against RocheVitamins Ltd. (now known as DSM Nutritional Products following DSMsacquisition of the U.S. Roche vitamins business in late 2003). Under terms ofthe settlement, ZeaVision dismissed its patent infringement suit against DSM,and granted DSM a limited, non-exclusive license to DSMs zeaxanthin patents.

ZeaVision holds a number of U.S. patents on the composition and use ofzeaxanthin. The patents at issue were U.S. Patent No. 5,747,544 (use ofzeaxanthin for macular degeneration) and U.S. Reissue Patent No. 38,099(compositions, pills, tablets and capsules containing zeaxanthin).

In a joint statement, both companies stated they were pleased with theoutcome of the case. We think it is a positive development for consumersconcerned with eye health and the missions of people who suffer from maculardegeneration, said Terry Hatfield, president of ZeaVision (www.zeavision.com).Added Bob Hartmayer, chief operating officer for DSM (www.dsmnutritionalproducts.com),We are very excited about the growth potential for this product and believethat zeaxanthin further strengthens our position as the leading innovativesupplier to the nutritional market.

DSM Nutritional Products is exhibiting at SupplySide East, Booth #1347.