DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (Danisco US Inc.) announced today that it has filed a petition requesting inter partes review (IPR) of Novozymes’ U.S. Patent No. 10,035,973, asking the U.S. Patent Office to cancel all of the granted claims on the basis of obviousness. DuPont has identified highly relevant prior art references that were not considered by the Patent Office during examination. DuPont’s IPR petition, which is supported by testimony from a leading expert on thermostable enzymes, contends that Novozymes’ claims are unpatentable in view of the prior art.
DuPont offers proteases for use in the ethanol industry to help producers create more efficient and effective use of grains through yield and throughput enhancements. DuPont has pioneered the use of protease in ethanol processes since 1993.
“We strongly believe innovation and competition in the marketplace are critical for the future of the ethanol industry, and look forward to the decision of the U.S. Patent Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board,” said Troy Wilson, Global Industry Leader, Grain Processing, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, a DowDuPont Specialty Products Division business unit, applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information visit Dupont Nutrition and Health or Biosciences Dupont.
About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division
DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with highly differentiated materials, ingredients and capabilities that help transform industries and everyday life. DowDuPont Specialty Products includes five technology-driven businesses: Electronic Technologies, Industrial Biosciences, Nutrition & Health, Protective Solutions and Sustainable Solutions. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver real-world products and smart solutions across multiple high-value markets. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products division into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found here.