NatureSeal Update: European Patent EP 1 011 342

AgriCoat NatureSeal Ltd confirmed on Wednesday 18th July 2012 that their parent company Mantrose Haeuser Co Inc., of Westport, Connnecticut  have engaged the services of  CMS Cameron McKenna - a leading European provider of legal services with offices and partners across UK and Europe. Mantrose-Haeuser Co. Inc  is joint registered proprietor along with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of  European Patent EP 1 011 342, entitled “Methods for Preserving Fresh Fruit.” The Patent covers the range of “NatureSeal” products and concerns methods of preserving fresh fruit with fresh fruit preservatives which extend the shelf life of fresh fruit. The invention also relates to fresh fruits preserved with the fresh fruit preservatives. It is registered in 16 European jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. The NatureSeal products are used extensively around the World, particularly to maintain quality and shelf life in fresh convenience products such as sliced apples and other fresh cut fruit and vegetables. NatureSeal preserves the texture, flavour, appearance, crispness, and colour of the fresh fruit, particularly the exposed skin of the fresh fruit. William Barrie, President of NatureSeal Inc explains that the company has invested a large amount of time and money in R&D in relation to our NatureSeal and other product ranges, and this includes ensuring that both our products and production process are properly protected. The scope of the claims of the patent prevent any unauthorised third party from using the patented process or making and/or importing products for disposal obtained by carrying out that process.  He confirms that “....in light of this, we need to and will take steps to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights against any manufacturers, processors or other unauthorised users undertaking the unauthorised activities described above.” In addition, Mantrose is the registered proprietor of registered European Patent EP 1059847, entitled “Methods for Preserving Fresh Vegetables”. Mantrose is now in the process of writing to all customers to inform them of this and is fully committed along with the USDA  to protecting its Intellectual property. Simon Matthews Agricoat NatureSeal Simon.matthews@agricoat.co.uk