News

DSM gets patent victory over Lallemand

23 May 2018

DSM has received unanimous jury verdict in a Federal Court in Wisconsin concluding that all glycerol reducing ethanol yeast products sold by Lallemand infringe DSM’s US Patent 8,795,998.

DSM has received unanimous jury verdict in a Federal Court in Wisconsin concluding that all glycerol reducing ethanol yeast products sold by Lallemand infringe DSM’s US Patent 8,795,998.

After several failed attempts between the parties to settle out of court, DSM filed suit against Lallemand for infringement of its patent in US Federal Court in Wisconsin. DSM alleged that Lallemand’s glycerol reducing yeast products including Transferm Yield+ and YP3 used in the production of ethanol, infringes DSM’s US 8,795,998 patent. After 7 days of trial the jury concluded that the DSM patent is valid and is being infringed by Lallemand’s glycerol reducing yeast products.

DSM’s yeast technology for starch conversion is said to provide consistent increased ethanol yields and to significantly reduce glycerol production. DSM’s yeast is commercially available in dry and cream forms.

“We are happy with the outcome of the case. Our focus is to bring customers the latest in yeast technology allowing them to deliver the best fermentation results,” said Atul Thakrar, President of DSM Bio-based Products & Services. “Continual development and protecting this intellectual property is a key component of our strategy that supports our significant biofuel investments. We are committed to deliver differentiating yeast and enzyme technologies that enable biofuel plant owners to optimize their processes and maximize their yields and profits in a sustainable way.”

DSM said it remains committed to growing and protecting its portfolio of more than 35 patent families for the biofuels industry in the United States and around the world.