Syngenta files patent action in China to protect AXIAL® innovation
Earlier this month, Syngenta announced that it has initiated an administrative patent infringement action in China to protect its proprietary herbicide formulation technology used in the AXIAL® brand family of products. The Bengbu Municipal Market Supervision and Administration Bureau formally accepted and initiated the case on December 3, 2025.
The action is based on Syngenta’s China invention patent No. ZL200680049436.3, entitled “Herbicidal Composition,” which protects key formulation innovations supporting Syngenta’s pinoxaden-based herbicide products marketed under the AXIAL® brand around the world.
Syngenta’s action names Anhui Xitian Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Xitian”), the registrant of the accused products, and Henan Chuanqi Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. (“Chuanqi”), the distributor of the accused products.
Prior to the oral hearing, Xitian admitted using the patented formulation during the proceedings and agreed to immediately cease the manufacture and sale of the infringing products.
The Bengbu Municipal Market Supervision and Administration Bureau held an oral hearing for February 3, 2026, to address the alleged infringement dispute.
At the oral hearing, the distributor Chuanqi failed to respond or appear. As a result, the authority proceeded in the distributor’s absence. A final written judgment against Chuanqi is expected in March 2026.
Syngenta has invested significant resources in the research, development, and commercialisation of advanced herbicide formulations, including pinoxaden-based products marketed under the AXIAL® brand family. Syngenta holds numerous granted patents and pending patent applications in China and around the world protecting its pinoxaden formulations, related technologies, and associated brands. These intellectual property rights reflect decades of scientific innovation, regulatory investment, and commitment to growers.
“This successful enforcement action in China demonstrates Syngenta’s unwavering commitment to protecting our intellectual property and the significant investments we make in agricultural innovation,” said Ryan Lorenz, Global Product Manager for pinoxaden at Syngenta. “AXIAL® represents years of research and development aimed at delivering superior solutions to Chinese growers. By safeguarding our patents, we help ensure that farmers have access to genuine, high-quality products they can trust, while maintaining the innovation pipeline that drives agricultural progress.”
Syngenta will continue to monitor the marketplace for infringing products, including in Australia, North America, and Europe, and will vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights worldwide to prevent counterfeit products from reaching growers and deter unfair competition by parties seeking to benefit from Syngenta’s patented innovations without authorisation.
Media Enquiries
Nick Booth
0438 396 154
nick.booth@syngenta.com
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Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 100 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before.
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