SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 12, 2000
Neogen Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan 0-17988 38-2367843
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (IRS Employer
incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
620 Lesher Place, Lansing, Michigan 48912
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (517) 372-9200
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
In 1996, Vicam L.P. and its President, Jack Radlo, sent a letter to a large
number of companies and other entities alleging that one of Neogen
Corporation's diagnostic tests, an aflatoxin detection product (currently
sold under the name "AC-5"), infringed two patents licensed to Vicam. The
letter threatened that companies which purchased Neogen's new product would
be infringing on Vicam's patents. Aflatoxin is a known carcinogen, and is
subject to FDA regulations. Companies using grains and nuts routinely test
for the toxin as part of their food safety programs.
Neogen filed a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgement of non-infringement
and for money damages for defamation, product disparagement, and tortuous
interference with business. Thereafter, Vicam filed a counterclaim for
infringement. On January 27, 2000, the federal court granted a summary
judgement in favor of Neogen as to the patent infringement issues, and
dismissed Vicam's counterclaim for infringement.
On March 27, 2000, Neogen's tort claims went to trial, and on March 28, 2000,
the parties reached a settlement as to the remaining claims for damages with
Vicam paying an undisclosed sum of money to Neogen. As part of the
settlement, Vicam and Radlo agreed to issue a joint letter with Neogen
assuring customers that they are free to purchase and use Neogen's AC-5
aflatoxin detection test kit without concern that legal action will be taken
against them by Vicam.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Neogen Corporation
(Registrant)
Date: April 12, 2000 By: s/ Richard R. Current
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Richard R. Current
Vice President and CFO
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