Benchmark Holdings has successfully prosecuted patent infringement in Thailand. The IP&IT court in Thailand ruled that Marine-Tech International (MTI) infringed two of Benchmark's patents related to artemia and hatching enrichment, and the company must cease using the patented technology. The court also awarded damages to Benchmark, which may be subject to appeal.

The patents pertained to the Benchmark's Artemia hatching and enrichment technologies, an important element of its advanced nutrition solutions, the company said.

"We are pleased the IP&IT court in Bangkok has ruled in our favor, vindicating the intellectual property which underpins the value of our innovative solutions and future product pipeline," said Malcolm Pye, CEO of Benchmark. "Robust intellectual property protection will continue to be a core strategic area of focus for the group."

Benchmark's portfolio includes 221 patents across its three main divisions of genetics, health and advanced nutrition.

"Benchmark robustly protects its intellectual property assets across the world and proactively monitors the market and our competitors for infringement," said Athene Blakeman, group legal counsel. "This intellectual property has been developed through many years of investment in cutting-edge R&D and, while Benchmark strongly supports open and fair competition, we will take all necessary action, including initiating legal procedures as in this case, where we identify unfair infringement of our intellectual property."