dsm-firmenich has launched patent infringement litigation in China alleging that multiple Chinese entities are using its patented technology to produce sclareol via biotechnology, escalating the company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property around a key fragrance intermediate.
The company filed the case with the Xiong’An New District Court of Hebei Province against several Chinese entities, including a sclareol producer and a research institute. dsm-firmenich is asking the court to order the defendants to stop the alleged unauthorized use of its patent and to provide compensation.
Sclareol is an important intermediate used to produce amber fragrance ingredients, including dsm-firmenich's Ambrox Super. dsm-firmenich says it holds patents and proprietary know-how covering sclareol production and related derivatives, and is seeking to protect those rights as biotech-based production becomes increasingly important to the fragrance industry.
The case also underscores the strategic value of biotechnology in fragrance ingredients. Rather than simply protecting a finished fragrance molecule or formulation, dsm-firmenich is defending the underlying production technology used to make an important ingredient intermediate.
Amaury Roquette, executive vice president of Perfumery & Beauty Ingredients, said the company intends to take the necessary legal action to protect its sclareol and sclareol-derived technologies, as well as its investments in innovation and its customers.
The litigation was initiated August 21, 2026. dsm-firmenich has not disclosed the names of the defendants or the amount of compensation sought.
