Virent Announces Issuance of Five U.S Patents

Virent announced the issuance of five new U.S. patents covering aspects of its catalytic BioForming® platform. Three of the patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,053,615, 8,017,818 and 7,977,517, cover the production of various liquid fuels and chemicals related to its recent announced partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and its ongoing partnership with Royal Dutch Shell. The additional two patents, Patent Nos. 7,767,867 and 7,898,664, are directed to the production of a range of other industrial chemicals and chemical intermediates using Virent’s BioForming® process. These patents join the over 175 domestic and foreign issued and pending applications in Virent’s portfolio representing more than 25 different technology families.

“These issued patents serve to protect some of our more sophisticated technologies,” explains Virent’s VP of Legal Affairs, David Kettner. “Virent is the world leader in catalytic conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals, and this recent intellectual property protection will ensure our strong position for years to come.”

Virent is replacing crude oil by creating the chemicals and fuels the world demands using a wide range of naturally-occurring, renewable resources. Its patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemicals for plastics and fibers. The products are drop-in replacements that enable full utilization of existing logistics infrastructure without blending limitations. The development of Virent’s BioForming® technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Shell and Honda, as well as 120 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin.

The company has received several grants from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Energy and Agriculture and has been recognized with many honors, including the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer award and the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.

Source:  www.virent.com.