Benchmark cracks down on patents breaches
Aquaculture genetics, health and nutrition business Benchmark Holdings has won a court case to protect patented technology relating to artemia hatching and enrichment.
The IP & IT court in Bangkok, Thailand ruled that Marine-Tech International (MTI) had infringed patents owned by UK-based Benchmark.
It ordered MTI to cease using the technology and awarded damages to Benchmark, which may yet be subject to appeal.
Robust protection
Benchmark, through its subsidiary INVE Aquaculture, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of artemia, widely used as live feed in shrimp and finfish hatcheries.
Malcom Pye, chief executive of Benchmark, said: “We are pleased the IP&IT court in Bangkok has ruled in our favour, vindicating the intellectual property which underpins the value of our innovative solutions and future product pipeline. Robust intellectual property protection will continue to be a core strategic area of focus for the Group.”
Necessary action
The firm’s legal counsel Athene Blakeman said: “Benchmark robustly protects its intellectual property assets across the world and proactively monitors the market and our competitors for infringement.
“This intellectual property has been developed through many years of investment in cutting edge R&D and, while Benchmark strongly supports open and fair competition, we will take all necessary action, including initiating legal procedures as in this case, where we identify unfair infringement of our intellectual property.”
The company, which counts Fish Vet Group and salmon egg producers StofnFiskur and SalmoBreed among its subsidiaries, owns 221 patents.
