NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LAVVAN, Inc.
("LAVVAN") today announced that it has filed an $881 million lawsuit against biotechnology
company Amyris, Inc. ("Amyris") (Nasdaq: AMRS) relating to Amyris's
use of intellectual property licensed exclusively to LAVVAN, as
well as the misappropriation of LAVVAN's trade secrets. The lawsuit
was filed in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York, docket number 20-cv-7386.
"LAVVAN owns exclusive rights to the intellectual property which
Amyris is wrongfully using in connection with their development,
testing and production of biosynthetic cannabinoids, including
CBG," said LAVVAN CEO Neil Closner.
"Amyris has falsely claimed that our agreement permits them to
engage in these activities, but it plainly does not. We are very
disappointed that we have had to take this step, but through a
history of erratic and egregious conduct, Amyris has demonstrated a
willful intention to undermine the agreement. This has left LAVVAN
with no choice but to vigorously pursue all legal avenues available
to protect its rights."
LAVVAN and Amyris signed a Research, Collaboration and License
Agreement ("Agreement") in March 2019
and LAVVAN made the initial payment under the Agreement in
May 2019. "LAVVAN assembled a world
class team and has been eager to lead the multi-billion-dollar
biosynthetic cannabinoid market," Closner stated. "But rather than
fulfill its obligations to LAVVAN under the Agreement, Amyris has
decided to transform from partner to direct competitor, in flagrant
violation of LAVVAN's rights." At no point has Amyris achieved a
single subsequent milestone under the Agreement, nor has any
milestone payment ever been owing by LAVVAN.
LAVVAN is seeking damages for Amyris's misappropriation of trade
secrets and patent infringement, as well as a permanent injunction
to prevent Amyris from wrongfully using LAVVAN's trade secrets and
other intellectual property, among other relief.
About LAVVAN, Inc.
LAVVAN, Inc. is at the forefront of biosynthetic cannabinoids,
utilizing yeast fermentation technology to produce high-quality and
reliably sourced cannabinoids for a range of end markets.
For more information visit lavvan.com.
Media Relations:
Stu Loeser & Co.
(646) 650-5503
lavvan@stuloeser.com
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SOURCE LAVVAN, Inc.