ArcticFarma’s astaxanthin product is called Algalife, and the subsidiary that produces it in Keflavik, Iceland is named Algalif. The astaxanthin is produced in a closed tube system housed in buildings under artificial light. ArcticFarma CEO Andrew Jacobsen said the company’s proprietary growth system allows it to alter the wavelengths of the light to correspond to different growth stages of the organism that produces the astaxanthin, Haematococcus pluvialis.
BGG produces its astaxanthin in a closed tube facility in Yunnan province in southwestern China using sunlight as its light source. BGG, which produces a number of other ingredients in addition to astaxanthin, had launched a division called Algae Life Sciences to house the astaxanthin business. ArcticFarma had immediate concerns about the confusion that could potentially cause and sent BGG a notice of trademark infringement.
"BGG's launch of Algae Life Sciences immediately raised concerns about confusion in the marketplace due to the similarities with our marks, Algalife and Algae for Life," said Andrew Jacobson, CEO ArcticFarma.