In October 2020, Chr. Hansen acquired Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH including a strong patent portfolio relating to the production of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and several litigations related hereto.
Before the acquisition in January 2020, Jennewein requested an injunction at the courts of Mannheim, Germany, against Nestlé’s sale of its infant formula products containing HMOs from a third party supplier that Jennewein believed and still believes is infringing several of Jennewein’s patents rights. In the opinion of Jennewein, Nestlé therefore also infringed these patent rights by selling infant formula products containing these HMOs.
As of May 11, 2021, Chr. Hansen and Nestle have agreed to settle the patent dispute, including Chr. Hansen withdrawing the ongoing litigation in Mannheim, Germany, and Nestlé withdrawing the pending oppositions against the disputed patent rights. It has been agreed between the two companies not to disclose any further details of the settlement agreement.
Chr. Hansen intends to maintain and expand the acquired portfolio of intellectual property rights covering HMOs and the production hereof and will keep enforcing such IP rights.
Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for almost 150 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 50,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.
