March 10, 2022

Impossible Foods sues competitor Motif Foodworks for copying its technology

Major alternative meats producer Impossible Foods has sued its competitor startup Motif Foodworks, accusing them of copying their technology for imitating the taste of real meat, Reuters reported.

The lawsuit said Motif infringes a patent filed by Impossible Foods that uses the protein molecule heme in its plant-based beef.

Motif said it will fight the claims. The Boston-based company has raised US$226 million in its second round of investment financing last year.

The lawsuit said Motifs "Hemami" ingredient infringes an Impossible Foods patent covering a "beef replica" product that also uses heme.

Impossible Foods has asked for undisclosed amount of money damages and a court order to stop Motif's sales of the allegedly infringing burger.

A spokesman from Impossible Foods said they welcome competition but will not tolerate attempts to undermine our brand or products through patent infringement.

-      Reuters