April 7 - Tate & Lyle has described as “disappointing” the US International Trade Commission's (ITC) negative ruling over its Sucralose patent infringement action against various Chinese manufacturers and six importers.
The UK-based sugar and sweetener giant’s reaction came after the ITC upheld its initial judgement from September, 2008, in favour of certain Chinese producers and importers of the product. The trade body said late yesterday its decision was “a binding and final determination" in finding that Tate & Lyle’s patents had not been infringed by the companies during the manufacturing process of the artificial sweetener.
However, Tate & Lyle gave a bullish response declaring it would review the ITC verdict and evaluate options to make any further appeals through the US Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.
Karl Kramer, President, Tate & Lyle Sucralose said, “While this development is disappointing, intellectual property is just one of the many components which define Tate & Lyle’s formidable competitive advantage in the global sucralose business.
“Our manufacturing facilities operate at a level of cost, efficiency and environmental stewardship surpassed by none, producing sucralose which meets the highest standards of quality, purity and hygiene. Our business is built upon long-standing relationships with some of the world’s leading food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as the established Splenda brand which is renowned as a high quality, reliable and trusted product in a number of markets.”