BASF filed Complaints against Sharda Cropchem LTD. and Sharda USA LLC to halt the making, using, selling and importation of products infringing on BASF Intellectual Property (IP) (U.S. Patent No. 7,816,392) relating to the manufacture and use of its fungicide pyraclostrobin. Complaints were filed with both the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and in the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Delaware.
BASF is committed to investing in the research and development (R&D) of new products and protecting the IP which results from this development. BASF has led the way in developing novel active ingredients like pyraclostrobin which controls key fungal diseases and provides unique Plant Health benefits. Each new active ingredient represents an investment of more than $250 million and 10 years of time. BASF’s commitment to the agricultural industry ensures growers have cutting-edge tools to manage their crops and ultimately support the food demands of a growing global population.
“Farmers rely on innovation from partners like BASF to help improve the yield and quality of their crop,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “BASF remains at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for growers. Growers using BASF fungicides can be confident that our products are manufactured to the highest standards and will continue to perform reliably.”
BASF has a portfolio of patents surrounding pyraclostrobin-containing products, mixtures, and intermediates in the United States and globally. Pyraclostrobin is the key ingredient in BASF’s Plant Health fungicides and is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for controlling a broad range of diseases and improving crop growth and quality. These products include Veltyma, Revytek, Headline SC, Headline, Headline AMP, Priaxor, Pristine, Merivon, Twinline, Nexicor, Cabrio, Insignia, Lexicon, Navicon, and Honor fungicides, Obvius Plus, Stamina F4 and Teraxxa F4 fungicide seed treatments.
“We expect continued growth for our pyraclostrobin-based products and mixtures as they have proven to be highly effective and reliable fungicides due to high-quality R&D and proprietary formulations,” added Rea.
To continue significant investments in the R&D of new compounds, BASF will continue to protect its investments in new technology through its legally enforceable intellectual property rights when necessary.
Editor’s Note: This release has been updated with new information.
