Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile2 entries
2022
Impossible Foods sues Motif Foodworks over burger patent
Lawsuit filed
Impossible Foods sued Motif Foodworks in Delaware federal court, alleging that Motif's use of heme in its plant-based beef infringes an Impossible Foods patent. Motif called the lawsuit baseless and said it would fight the claims; the source reports allegations, not a court determination.
Company response
Denial — Motif Foodworks
A Motif spokesperson called the lawsuit “nothing more than a baseless attempt by Impossible Foods to stifle competition” and said it would fight the claims.
Source excerpt
The lawsuit filed in Delaware federal court said Motif, a spinoff of biotech company Ginkgo Bioworks, infringes an Impossible Foods patent by using the protein molecule heme in its plant-based beef.
Meatless burger maker Impossible Foods sued competitor Motif Foodworks on Wednesday, accusing the startup of copying its technology for imitating the taste of real meat.
A Motif spokesperson called the lawsuit “nothing more than a baseless attempt by Impossible Foods to stifle competition” and said it would fight the claims.
2019
Public scrutiny of soy leghemoglobin safety and labeling
The use of genetically engineered soy leghemoglobin, the company’s heme ingredient, attracted criticism and regulatory discussion concerning safety review, labeling, allergens, and the distinction between a plant-derived ingredient and the finished plant-based product. The FDA issued no-questions responses to relevant generally recognized as safe notices, while debate continued among advocacy groups and commentators.