BP and DuPont's JV, Butamax Advanced Biofuels, files second patent infringement case against Colorado's Gevo, alleging unlawful use of its biobutanol technology

Rachel Carter

WILMINGTON, Delaware , August 10, 2011 (press release) – ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC today announced the filing of a second patent infringement case against Gevo, Inc for its unlawful use of ButamaxTM biobutanol technology. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the District of Delaware.

This lawsuit is based on Gevo’s infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,993,889 which describes Butamax’s foundational methods for low-cost production of biobutanol.

“Butamax is committed to protecting its technology and ensuring maximum value for its customers and licensees,” explained Christine Lhulier, V.P. and General Counsel of Butamax. “We pioneered fermentative production of isobutanol and violation of our intellectual property rights is unacceptable.”

The ButamaxTM intellectual property portfolio encompasses novel technology across the entire value chain. Butamax inventions include recombinant microorganisms that convert various feedstocks to biobutanol, process engineering for recovering biobutanol produced during fermentation, engineering design for optimized energy integrations, and various renewable fuel and chemical compositions. The depth and breadth of the portfolio reflects the synergy between Butamax’s investors, BP and DuPont, as world class scientists and leaders in the biofuels industry.

“The success of any new technology start-up is dependent on protection of innovation” said Paul Beckwith, CEO Butamax. “It is our obligation to assert our intellectual property rights in order to defend value for our partners and to protect the viability of this emerging industry.”

About Butamax

ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC was formed to develop and commercialize biobutanol as a next generation renewable biofuel for the transport market. The company benefits from the synergy of DuPont’s proven industrial biotechnology experience and BP’s global fuels market knowledge. ButamaxTM’s proprietary technology offers a cost-advantaged manufacturing process with value from field to pump. Globally focused with operations on four continents, Butamax is poised for commercial launch from 2012/2013. For more information, visit www.butamax.com.

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