Nespresso Disappointed in Ruling by EPO Appeals Board

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, October 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Ruling Has no Practical Impact on Current Competitive Market Situation

Nestlé Nespresso SA acknowledges the decision today of the Appeals Board of the European Patent Office (EPO) to revoke a patent related to the Nespresso system. The decision overrules a decision by the EPO from April 2012, which maintained the patent in an amended form. We believe that the decision fails to recognise the unique innovations inherent in the design of the Nespresso system.

While disappointing, the ruling does not have any impact on the current competitive situation. Nespresso has brought legal cases against producers of generic capsules, although there are currently no prohibitions on their sale based on this patent. The decision, therefore, does not change the status quo.

The protection of our intellectual property is an important component of our business strategy. However, our success will continue to be driven by our ability to exceed consumer expectations by delivering products and services of exceptional quality. This focus has allowed us to maintain our position as the reference in the portioned coffee category and it is why consumers continue to choose the unique Nespresso experience over the 100 other portioned coffee offerings in the market globally.

We will await the written decision of the EPO ruling before determining next steps in the pending legal cases.

About Nestlé Nespresso SA

Nestlé Nespresso SA is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned premium coffee. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in almost 60 countries and has more than 8,000 employees. In 2012, it operated a global retail network of 300 exclusive boutiques. http://www.nestle-nespresso.com

Contact
Diane Duperret
Nestlé Nespresso SA
Corporate PR Manager
diane.duperret@nespresso.com
T: +41-21-796 9289