Pharmanex Sues HPF Over Packaging Issue

Simi Valley-based Pharmanex Inc., which markets natural health supplements, has filed a lawsuit against HPF LLC of Trevose, Pa., in a Utah federal district court alleging trademark violations and unfair trade practices.

Pharmanex officials said the suit stems from the similar packaging of Cholestene, a red yeast rice product manufactured by HPF, and the Pharmanex product Cholestin. Pharmanex alleges that the similarities make it confusing for consumers to distinguish between the two products.

The company is seeking an injunction against HPF’s marketing and distribution of Cholestene, as well as unspecified damages.

Pharmanex is a subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises, which is based in Utah. A company spokeswoman said the lawsuit was filed in Utah because Nu Skin is based there and because that is one of the states where HPF is selling the product in question.

The HPF product is not being sold in California, the spokeswoman said.