Foothill Ranch, CA - Sweegen, the global wellness ingredients and taste modulation technology company, announced a monumental victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on January 3. This victory stems from the court's decision to uphold the invalidation of PureCircle's patents related to the highly sought after stevia sweetener Rebaudioside M (Reb M). Sweegen's technological proof is now firmly established in the industry.
The Federal Circuit's decision has far-reaching implications for the stevia sweetener market as it removes concerns that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) customers may have had regarding PureCircle's patents. Sweegen's proprietary clean bioconversion process for the production of non-GM Reb M is now poised to dominate the market and solidify the company's position as the primary producer of this coveted steviol glycoside.
Steven Chen, CEO of Sweegen, expressed the company's commitment to principled innovation and fair competition in the industry. He emphasized the significance of this triumph at the U.S. Court of Appeals, which demonstrates Sweegen's commitment to upholding high standards.
This latest victory builds on Sweegen's success in May 2022, when the company won a landmark summary judgment ruling invalidating PureCircle's patents related to Reb M production. The court's opinion affirmed the district court's decision, citing lack of written description and unpatentability under 35 U.S.C. § 101.
Chen highlighted how this successful appeal further reinforces Sweegen's commitment to innovation and fair competition, positioning the company as a leader shaping the landscape of the stevia sweetener industry.
Sweegen's legal victories don't end there. In November 2023, the company took on the challenge of combating mislabeling in the stevia industry by investigating Reb M products sold under intentionally false claims. Sweegen remains committed to driving positive change in the sweetener industry through ongoing research and development.
The case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is Pure Circle Inc., et al. v. Sweegen, et al., case number appeal number 2022-1946. Sweegen was represented by the law firm of Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox PLLC.
In its mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners worldwide, Sweegen remains at the forefront of providing sweet taste solutions to food and beverage manufacturers. With an impressive portfolio including Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M and N and Brazzein, Sweegen is committed to creating zero sugar products that consumers love.
