Bayer CropScience enforces its spirotetramat patent in China

Bayer CropScience has taken a large step forward to stop the distribution of counterfeit crop protection products containing the active ingredient spirotetramat. Chinese manufacturer Hebei Sannong Agrochemical and distributor Nanjing Heyuan recently accepted the litigation filed by Bayer CropScience and agreed to pay Bayer financial compensation in respect of their infringing activities.

“We are committed to defending our intellectual property rights, and to doing everything we can to prevent the illegal trade in crop protection products,” explained Gerwin Bouillon, Global Head of Product Defense at Bayer CropScience. “Farmers using counterfeit crop protection products containing poor-quality or even non-approved active substances pose serious risks not only to themselves and field hands, but also to the environment and consumer health.”

“Spirotetramat is an important innovation from Bayer CropScience in the field of foliar insecticides,” pointed out Wang Guangming, Product Defense Senior Manager for Bayer CropScience China. “Its innovative mode of action is effective against even difficult-to-control pests, leading to healthier crops.” Spirotetramat is marketed by Bayer under the brand name Movento™ in over 70 countries worldwide. Launched in China in 2010, it is one of Bayer CropScience’s strongest core brands in China.

“Without the protection of patents, innovation is all but impossible. Therefore, we are on constant alert for any activities that infringe our intellectual property rights including patents, trademarks and copyrights,” added Dr. Joerg Thomaier, Chief IP Counsel Bayer Group and Global Head of Patents at Bayer CropScience. “Hence we recognize the efforts being made in China to establish clear rules and regulations for the recognition of intellectual property (IP) rights.”

In July 2014, Bayer CropScience filed a lawsuit against the Chinese companies Hebei Sannong Agrochemical and Nanjing Heyuan in the Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court. Bayer CropScience claimed that the defendants unlawfully produced and sold crop protection products containing spirotetramat. After an oral hearing in March 2015, the judges mediated the settlement and further negotiations.

Spirotetramat belongs to the chemical class of ketoenols invented by Bayer. It offers broad-spectrum control of many sucking insects such as aphids, thrips, mealy bugs and whiteflies. Movento™ not only has a comprehensive spectrum of activity against sucking pests; it is an important addition to integrated pest management (IPM) programs in grapes, citrus fruits, vegetables, tree fruits and potatoes.