Progress in zeaxanthin case
earlier this year have agreed to settle the patent infringement
claims, said the company, which is still pressing for damages from
another supplement firm and Roche Vitamins.
Two supplement makers sued by eye health firm ZeaVision have agreed to settle patent infringement claims filed earlier this year, said the company.
The lawsuit alleged that New York-based supplement companies Geres Dengle and Vitamin Science, and Life Extension Foundation from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sold zeaxanthin supplement that infringe certain composition and method of use patents held by ZeaVision.
Geres Dengle and Vitamin Sciences have both signed consent decrees admitting the validity of ZeaVision's patents and agreed to desist from further infringement, reported St Louis-based ZeaVision.
As part of the settlement, ZeaVision is to give the defendants non-exclusive, royalty-bearing licenses to market and sell dietary supplements containing zeaxanthin in doses not exceeding 2mg per day.
ZeaVision is still seeking damages from Roche Vitamins, recently bought by Dutch firm DSM, which it alleges has also infringed its patents in the marketing and sale of zeaxanthin products.
Dr Dennis L. Gierhart, chairman and chief executive officer of ZeaVision, said: "Our dietary zeaxanthin patents are extremely valuable corporate assets, and this suit reflects our determination to protect their value."
The company launched its zeaxanthin-containing supplements in April 2002. The carotenoid zeaxanthin, found in many fruits and vegetables, is thought to help protect the retina from the damaging effects of sunlight and oxidative stress and free radicals. It has also been associated with reduced symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.
