BASF takes action in another fipronil patent infringement case in Australia

• PCT Holdings announced it will not be selling Covert Gold Cockroach Gel Bait Products for the term of BASF’s patent
• Fipronil protects Australian crops and homes against devastating insect pests
• BASF continues to invest in R&D as part of commitment to sustainable agriculture and healthy environments

Melbourne, Australia – July 15, 2016 – BASF has taken legal action against PCT Holdings Pty Ltd for infringement of its patent covering a gel bait with fipronil as the active ingredient. Following the proceedings, PCT Holdings has published a notice stating that its fipronil containing Covert Gold Cockroach Gel Bait Products will not be sold for as long as BASF’s patent remains in force.

Fipronil is the active ingredient in BASF products such as Adonis®, Regent®, Termidor® and Cosmos®. Its key applications provide effective solutions against devastating insect pests in crops, such as cotton, vegetables, bananas and mushrooms, and for the protection of industrial and residential property against termites.

“We can only support professional pest management, rural hygiene, stored products and public health with cutting edge chemistry, if we continue to invest in new, high-performing solutions,” said Gavin Jackson, Head of Agriculture, BASF Australia and New Zealand.

“In 2015 alone, BASF’s Crop Protection division spent €514 million on R&D and it will continue to invest about 9% of its sales in R&D.

“To be able to continue such substantial investment in the future of sustainable agriculture and healthy environments, we must protect our innovations to the fullest of our capabilities.

“This proceeding against PCT Holdings and previous court cases demonstrate our determination to enforce our intellectual property rights and to ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are present in Australia’s top brands and formulations.”

In 2013, Imtrade Australia Pty Ltd resolved court proceedings taken by BASF and Enviromax Technologies Pty Ltd settled out-of-court in 2014, both cases concerning allegations of infringement of one of BASF’s patents covering processes for the manufacture of fipronil. In 2015, Sherwood Chemicals Australasia Pty Ltd acknowledged infringement of one of BASF’s patents covering the use of fipronil for the treatment of cockroaches and ants.

About BASF’s Crop Protection division
With sales of more than €5.8 billion in 2015, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions for agriculture, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Our broad portfolio of active ingredients, seed treatments, biological controls, formulations and services optimizes efficient production of high quality food and protects against post-harvest loss, damage to buildings and the transmission of disease. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports the effort of growers and pest management professionals to make a better life for themselves and society. Further information can be found on the web at agriculture.basf.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.