Coca-Cola Sued Over Soda-Fountain Concentrate-Cartridge Patents

A beverage technology company sued Coca-Cola Co., accusing the Atlanta-based giant of using patented formulas in its Freestyle soda-fountain concentrate cartridges without permission.

Three specific Coca-Cola concentrate cartridges used in Freestyle machines infringe eight patents covering liquid water enhancer technology, Soluble Technologies Group said in a complaint filed Monday in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. STG claims its chemical testing shows the Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Diet Coke cartridges contain water, acid, and flavoring combinations that match STG’s patented formulations.

STG said it develops liquid water enhancer products and licenses its technology to related ...