BASF has taken steps to defend its fipronil patent.
BASF has taken legal action against PCT Holdings for infringement of its patent covering a gel bait with fipronil as the active ingredient. Following the proceedings, PCT Holdings has published a notice stating that its fipronil-containing Covert Gold Cockroach Gel Bait products will not be sold for as long as BASF’s patent remains in force.
Fipronil is the active ingredient in a number of BASF products, including Termidor termite products and Goliath bait products in the professional pest markets.
“We can only support professional pest management, rural hygiene, stored products and public health with cutting edge chemistry if we continue to invest in new, high-performing solutions,” said Gavin Jackson, head of agriculture, BASF Australia and New Zealand.
“In 2015 alone, BASF’s Crop Protection division spent €514 million on R&D and it will continue to invest about 9% of its sales in R&D.
“To be able to continue such substantial investment in the future of sustainable agriculture and healthy environments, we must protect our innovations to the fullest of our capabilities.
“This proceeding and previous court cases demonstrate our determination to enforce our intellectual property rights and to ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are present in Australia’s top brands and formulations.”
