Martek, Capsugel settle, strike DHA deal

Executive Summary

After resolving a patent dispute, Capsugel agrees to purchase algae-derived DHA exclusively from Martek Biosciences. Columbia, Md.-based Martek, which filed an action for infringement against Capsugel France in November 2008, said Sept. 10 it will collaborate with the Pfizer subsidiary to add DHA to Capsugel's Licaps liquid-filled hard capsules. Martek said the patent settlement with Capsugel is not related to a separate dispute with Lonza dealing with certain patents on the life'sDHA production process (1"The Tan Sheet" Sept. 7, 2009, In Brief). After a federal appeals court ruled against Lonza in support of Martek's patents, Martek CEO Steve Dubin said Sept. 8 the firm continues to "vigorously defend its patent portfolio," which includes more than 700 granted and pending patents worldwide