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BioMar denies copying SuperSmolt tech

BioMar is challenging a court ruling that compels the global aquaculture feed company to pay a fine equivalent to about US$2.4 million for patent infringement.

In February, the Oslo District Court ruled that  BioMar must compensate STIM as much as 10 million kroner for copying the Scottish aquaculture company’s SuperSmolt FeedOnly technology and selling it under the name Intro Tuning.

This week, BioMar denied copying the STIM technology or engaging in misleading marketing practices in the launch of its Intro Tuning product. The company is appealing the court decision.

“BioMar Norway truly believes that a generally known method to improve smoltification in aquaculture cannot be protected by a patent. As an important contributor to innovation in the industry and a company with a strong record of developing patented technology, we fully respect intellectual property rights,” the FishSite, quoted Håvard Jørgensen, of BioMar.

Jørgensen said he believes his company has not “infringed any valid patent as the fundamental knowledge existed both internally in BioMar and within the industry prior to the filing of the STIM patent in question.”

He said the court’s ruling does not affect BioMar’s right to continue to produce and sell its current product portfolio for smoltification.