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Ajinomoto has initiated patent infringement lawsuits against Meihua Holdings Group of China and its affiliates, as well as FDJ of Japan.

This legal action, filed in both the Guangdong High People's Court and the Tokyo District Court on October 9 2025, centres around the manufacturing processes for monosodium glutamate (MSG) products.

Ajinomoto, a global leader in the production of MSG and the creator of the renowned umami seasoning Ajino-Moto, alleges that the manufacturing techniques employed by Meihua Group infringe upon its patented technologies.

The company is seeking an injunction to halt the production and sale of these allegedly infringing products and is also pursuing damages for products that have already been sold in various markets.

The Meihua Group, which operates a subsidiary in China, has been actively involved in the manufacture and distribution of MSG products both domestically and internationally.

In addition to targeting Meihua, Ajinomoto's lawsuit also aims to prevent FDJ from importing and selling these products in Japan, further underscoring the cross-border implications of this dispute.

Ajinomoto's commitment to research and development has been a cornerstone of its business strategy, with the company investing heavily in innovative manufacturing technologies for MSG.

The firm asserts that the infringement of its intellectual property not only threatens its competitive edge but also hinders ongoing R&D efforts crucial for advancing the science of amino acids.

In a statement, Ajinomoto outlined its dedication to protecting its intellectual property rights, asserting that "the continued pursuit of necessary measures to safeguard legitimate rights is essential for fostering innovation within the industry".

The company’s long-standing expertise in amino acid research – spanning over a century – positions it as a formidable player in the global food and beverage landscape.