Following a ruling in the Borgarting Court of Appeal, BioMar was fined to pay SuperSmolt patent holder, STIM, NOK 36 million (USD 4.12 million). The court stated that “...BioMar developed IntroTuning in a way that was not widely accepted in the industry, and that appear clearly blameworthy and contrary to considerations of healthy competition” (translation by STIM).

“This is above all a victory for innovation and the industry we are a part of. Our company has always put great effort and resources into creating new products and solutions that can improve fish health and welfare, and the aquaculture industry as a whole. This ruling sends a clear signal that large international companies are not free to exploit such innovations. It is important not only for us, but for all companies involved in development efforts,” said STIM CEO, Jim-Roger Nordly.

Now that the legal battle is over, Nordly said, “we have several new R&D projects that require our full attention. The distraction of this court case will not be missed.”

Borgarting Court of Appeal confirms the validity of the patents relating to SuperSmolt FeedOnly. “The conclusion was the same as that of Oslo District Court and the European Patent Office. There is no doubt that SuperSmolt FeedOnly was a gamechanger in terms of efficient and synchronized smoltification, low mortality and good growth performance both before and after sea transfer. It is one of our most important innovations,” said Nordly.