U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board Rules in Favor of Meat Industry and Florida Food Products
Federal Court Invalidates Industry Player’s Attempt to Patent The Application of Natural Cures
Lake Mary, FL – April 27, 2023—Florida Food Products, LLC (“FFP”), one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, today announced that the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) has ruled in favor of the meat industry and FFP by invalidating an industry player’s attempt to patent how meat companies apply natural curing agents.
The PTAB found all claims of US Patent No.11,071,304 to be unpatentable, determined the patent should never have been issued, and declared the industry player’s temporary patent invalid. The ruling is consistent with the assessment by the European Union and Chinese patent offices, which denied similar attempted patents by this industry player. This marks multiple attempts by this industry player to patent components of applying natural curing agents in the United States. Additional information on the invalidation of the attempted patent can be found on government websites.
Jim Holdrieth, Chief Executive Officer of FFP, stated, “We are pleased with the PTAB’s decision and grateful for their diligent and thorough work to reach this conclusion. Today’s consumers are seeking natural, healthier products, and deserve access to the highest quality options from a range of suppliers. While we are proud of our industry’s innovation and excited by our product roadmap, the attempted patent relates to decades old know-how, which is simply not new.”
Mr. Holdrieth continued, “The PTAB’s ruling is a victory for the entire food industry and will ensure the highest standards are upheld by all industry participants for years to come. FFP will strive to be a steward of the industry, for the benefit of all stakeholders, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers in protecting the industry from any inappropriate practices.”
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For FFP media inquiries, please contact:
Emma Murphy
Email: [email protected] – Mobile: 347-968-6800
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About FFP
Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The Company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture, and color. The Company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and food service providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website www.floridafood.com.
