ITC to investigate high-potency sweeteners

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to investigate whether high-potency sweeteners from China infringe patents owned by Celanese, a specialty materials company.

In October this year, Celanese complained to the ITC, seeking an investigation into the unlawful importation into the US of artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) products.

According to a statement, the products infringe upon US patent number 9,024,016 owned by Celanese.

“Celanese contends a number of Ace-K manufacturers have unlawfully introduced sweeteners made via Celanese’s patented technology from China into the US market,” said the statement.

Celanese requested that the ITC issue a general exclusion order, or, in the alternative, a limited exclusion order, and cease-and-desist orders.

The ITC’s chief administrative law judge will assign the case to one of the agency’s administrative law judges (ALJs), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing.

Then, the ALJ will make an initial determination of whether there is a violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, with the initial determination subject to review by the commission.

In response to the announcement from the ICT, Celanese said: “The company intends to protect these investments to supply customers with quality engineered products, and intends to vigorously defend its patented technology against unlawful importation and uses in the US.”