British skin care company, Aethic is preparing to go head to head with Nivea-owner Beiersdorf over a patent dispute.
According to the skin care start-up, the already approved patent allows Aethic to produce the only patented ecocompatible sunscreen in the world. However, Beiersdorf has lodged a formal complaint against this.
Commenting on the David & Goliath scenario, Aethic founder and CEO Allard Marx, said: "When I was notified by our patent attorneys of Beiersdorf's move, I was stunned. It certainly confirms that our approach is seen as disruptive.
“Aethic is a small company, we are passionate about our product, about protecting our oceans and confident in the science behind our patent. and we will fend off the unwarranted attack from this Goliath with all the ethical means we can muster.”
Aethic has launched a crowdfunding campaign and has currently reached £3,574 of its £6,500 target. It has not made clear what the money will be used for, apart from to ‘fend off Beiersdorf’.
Aethic launched its sunscreen brand Sôvée in 2013, which includes environmentally friendly sun filters that is designed to not harm coral or other marine life.