Friday, November 12, 2004

Martek Receives Adverse Ruling on European DHA/ARA Oil Blends Patent; Validity of Patent Will Be Unaffected During Appeal Process
Martek Receives Adverse Ruling on European DHA/ARA Oil Blends Patent; Validity of Patent Will Be Unaffected During Appeal Process
Friday November 12, 7:56 am ET
"COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK - News) today announced that its European DHA/ARA Oil Blends Patent was revoked in a proceeding that was held in Munich, Germany by the European Patent Office on November 11, 2004. The hearing was the result of challenges made by two potential competitors of the Company. The Company intends, within the next few days, to file an appeal that will automatically reinstate the patent so that it will remain in force during the appeal process. The appeal process is anticipated to exceed two years. The Company believes that it has substantive grounds for the appeal and intends to vigorously pursue the matter...."