Muhammed Majeed, Ph.D., Founder

Buy One (1) Kg Patented Ingredient, Add Nine (9) Kg Generic "Equivalent" and Claim Patented Product Benefits?

on February 01, 2012

Innovation and science are what drive the Nutraceutical industry worldwide. Today, numerous clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals for such ancient herbs as curcumin and pepper are putting previously obscure herbs in the mainstream of systemic disease prevention and treatment.

But there is a systemic disease that threatens the future of our industry by undermining investment in science and consumer confidence. There are some companies that think it's smart business to buy one kg of a patented ingredient and nine kgs of a generic "equivalent" but use the patented product claim on their marketing materials and labels. These unscrupulous marketers are exploiting the credibility of the branded ingredient to their advantage, citing clinical studies and quality criteria on the branded ingredient that are not actually applicable to the diluted product.

Manufactured products containing such diluted ingredients which fail to meet quality standards or are proved to be non-efficacious in biological testing, have detrimentally affected the credibility of the branded ingredient.

The fact that this is unethical aside, this practice cheats the consumer, and undermines investment in future innovation and clinical studies to grow the industry. Generic “equivalents” are anything but equal in quality and activity, cheating the consumer of the health benefits they expect and deserve. It also robs those companies who invest in good science from the capital to continue doing so.

Sabinsa investment in research and patents, and the pivotal role of these efforts in garnering credibility for scientifically validated ingredients, is a case in point. For example, our BioPerine^® patent brought out the concept that it is not what you eat, but what you absorb that is important in the area of nutrition. This formed the basis of a fundamental paradigm shift in how we approach supplementation. Numerous scientific publications in subsequent years validated this concept.

Another example is our C3 Complex^®, the material of choice by researchers documenting the significant health benefits of curcumin because of the consistent quality we guarantee. This is truly a premium product in all senses of the word - the finest curcumin in the marketplace.

Each one of our brands, backed by scientific research, have brought little known traditional phytonutrients to the forefront, generating greater demand for these herbal extracts or nature-identical materials.

For more than two decades, Sabinsa has invested in science and innovation, and has more than 70 patents to show for it. We are committed to continuing on this path, and protecting our intellectual property in order to continue that investment. We look forward to being your partner in providing the highest quality science backed, innovation products available.

With Best Wishes,

Sincerely,

Dr. Muhammed Majeed
Founder
Sabinsa Corporation

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An Open Letter to our friends in the Nutritional Industry:

on September 21, 2003

In the early part of 1996, Sabinsa pioneered the concept of enhancing the bioavailability of nutritional /dietary supplements with the introduction of BioPerine^®. Many of you have embraced the use of BioPerine^® (Black pepper extract) and included it into your formulations. In 1998, we introduced a novel and previously unknown use for Coleus forskohlii (ForsLean^®) for promotion of lean body mass in weight management. The response to this product has been overwhelming. We thank you for your support in the use of these products.

Encouraged by the Nutritional industry, Sabinsa continues to invest in research on these products and continues to cover the usage of BioPerine^® and ForsLean^® with additional U.S., European and International patents.

From 1996 until today, many companies have taken our science (and our Intellectual Property), and ascribed it to generic material in their formulas. Such activities continue in light of our open efforts to educate these companies, and the industry, on intellectual property rights and patent infringement. It is against this background that Sabinsa made the decision to seek legal protection and remedies for our intellectual property and patent rights.

At no time have we intended to harass the industry that provides the very basis of our existence. Again, it is the few companies that continue to ignore the property rights of others, that infringe on intellectual property without regard to the owners, that Sabinsa has decided to take legal action against those who violate the law to protect our rights.

In the months and years ahead, Sabinsa’s commitment to the innovation of new products will continue, and we seek your understanding of the legal path we may be compelled to follow at times to protect our intellectual property rights.

With Best Wishes,

Sincerely,

Dr. Muhammed Majeed
Founder
Sabinsa Corporation