Ajinomoto files patent infringement lawsuits over MSG manufacturing process
The company is seeking an injunction to halt both the production and sale of the allegedly infringing MSG products, plus compensation for damages associated with products already sold.
JAPAN – Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has filed patent infringement lawsuits in both China and Japan against Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd. of China, its affiliates, and Japan-based FDJ Co., Ltd.
The cases, lodged with the Guangdong High People’s Court and the Tokyo District Court on October 9, 2025, concern alleged violations of Ajinomoto’s patented manufacturing processes for monosodium glutamate (MSG) products.
The Meihua Group, a major Chinese manufacturer of MSG, operates subsidiaries that produce and distribute these products across several global markets.
Ajinomoto claims that Meihua’s production methods infringe on its proprietary technology used to manufacture MSG.
The Japanese food and biotechnology company is seeking an injunction to halt both the production and sale of the allegedly infringing MSG products, alongside compensation for damages associated with products already sold.
In addition, Ajinomoto is pursuing legal action against FDJ Co. in Japan, which imports and sells Meihua’s MSG products domestically.
The company has requested that the Tokyo District Court prohibit the import and sale of these products in Japan and award damages for past infringements.
These coordinated legal filings highlight the cross-border dimension of Ajinomoto’s efforts to enforce its intellectual property rights in both major MSG markets.
As a global pioneer in amino acid technology and the manufacturer of the well-known umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO®, Ajinomoto has long invested heavily in research and development to refine and enhance MSG production.
The company emphasizes that such innovation forms the backbone of its competitiveness and supports its mission to advance food science through sustainable and efficient production methods.
Ajinomoto stated that infringement of its intellectual property undermines its extensive R&D initiatives, which are essential for maintaining leadership in the MSG and amino acid markets.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all necessary legal measures to safeguard its technology and promote fair competition within the food manufacturing industry.
With over a century of expertise in amino acid research, Ajinomoto remains a key player in the global food and biotechnology sectors.
Through its “AminoScience” framework, the company continues to apply its scientific knowledge toward improving health, nutrition, and sustainability.
By taking legal action against Meihua and FDJ, Ajinomoto aims not only to defend its proprietary processes but also to reinforce the importance of innovation protection as a cornerstone of progress in the global food industry.
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