Aethic prepares to fend off Beiersdorf patent attack

HAMBURG, Germany - Jan. 18, 2018 - PRLog -- Aethic, the UK skincare company whose popular Sôvée sunscreen has a unique, scientifically validated coral-safe ingredient list, is preparing to fend off skincare giant Beiersdorf in a patent dispute.  Beiersdorf, which owns global brands including Nivea and La Prairie, has challenged the environmental start-up's already-approved eco-compatible patent.

Several commonly-used sunscreen ingredients damage delicate marine life such as coral, mussels, sea urchins and phytoplankton. One such ingredient, oxybenzone, has received much recent media attention.

Aethic worked with some of the world's leading sunscreen and marine scientists to create a product that would protect skin well and leave these organisms largely intact. The scientific evidence in support of this claim was submitted for a patent. After independent peer scientist scrutiny, the European Patent Office granted the patent on the formula.

Although opposition to patents is invited during the application process, Beiersdorf timed its attack just days before the post-approval opposition period expired.

Says Aethic founder and CEO Allard Marx: "When I was notified by our patent attorneys of Beiersdorf's move, I was stunned.  It certainly confirms that our approach is seen as 'disruptive'. Aethic is a small company, we are passionate about our product, about protecting our oceans and confident in the science behind our patent. and we will fend off the unwarranted attack from this Goliath with all the ethical means we can muster."

Aethic's crowd-funding appeal Aethic v. Beiersdorf, can be found on www.fundaethic.com .