dsm-firmenich has initiated legal action in China for patent infringement against Shandong Haineng Bioengineering Co. Ltd., asserting that certain Haineng swine compound premix containing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 constitutes unlawful use of dsm-firmenich patented technology.

dsm-firmenich is a pioneer and a world-leading manufacturer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 – the major circulating form of vitamin D – which is widely used in animal feed as Hy-D®, as well as other applications. The petition filed with the court asks it to order that Haineng cease using dsm-firmenich patented technology and pay compensation for the infringement.

“As a lead innovator in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 area, we hold and have been expanding a comprehensive patent portfolio throughout the value chain. From the manufacturing of crystalline 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, its formulations and its applications, the dsm-firmenich patent portfolio protects the exhaustive scientific research and development that has gone into both our innovative technologies and business,” said Christie Chavis, head of performance solutions + Biomin® at dsm-firmenich. “We actively enforce patents against infringement to support and continue to invest in much-needed scientific innovation to bring advancements in sustainability, health and nutrition to the animal industry.”