Amway parent company ranks 14th in The Patent Board Consumer Products scorecard

ADA, Mich., May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Amway parent company Alticor placed 14th in the Top 20 Companies of The Patent Board's Consumer Products industry scorecard, published on WSJ.com, for the 13-week period ending April 26, 2013. The ranking seeks to measure the overall strength of the company's patent portfolio holdings with a combined measure of quality and quantity. 

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The company ranked first in Research Intensity™, one of the categories used to determine the final ranking.  According to The Patent Board, Research Intensity™ indicates the extent to which a portfolio includes patents with above average Science Linkage as compared to the control group.

"We're proud to be recognized for our patent portfolio because the science behind our products is an integral part of building credibility for our distributors' businesses," said Catherine Ehrenberger, vice president of Amway Research & Development. "Our focused approach helps build and maintain leadership in areas where innovation can differentiate our products in the marketplace."

The top 10 companies ranked by technology strength in The Patent Board's Consumer Products scorecard are Nike Inc., Procter & Gamble Co., Acushnet Co., Kimberly-Clark Corp., LG Electronics Inc., adidas AG, Whirlpool Corp, Samsung Group, Koch Industries Inc., and Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

The Wall Street Journal Online began publishing The Patent Board's data in 2007.  WSJ.com highlights The Patent Board's rankings in 17 global industries, each published three times a year.

About Amway Research & Development
The Amway Research and Development (R&D) team uses the power of science to help people live better lives through innovation.  As global leaders in phytonutrient research, ethnic skin research, and water and air purification advancement, more than 900 Amway scientists, engineers and technicians excel in product development, analytical sciences and technical / regulatory affairs. At 75 R&D and quality assurance labs worldwide, Amway R&D is committed to scientific excellence that delivers premium performance in nutrition, beauty and home products.  Amway R&D scientists strive with their peers to help ensure high safety and quality standards that benefit people throughout the world.  Amway has more than 1,000 patents granted, and more than 700 patents pending.

About Amway
Alticor / Amway is the world's #1 direct selling business, ranked by 2012 global sales of $11.3 billion in the Direct Selling News Global 100, and based on the efforts of more than 3 million Amway distributors and more than 21,000 employees in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. Founded in 1959 by entrepreneurs Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, and based in Ada, Michigan, U.S., Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities that supported by a global agribusiness, manufacturing and logistics supply chain. More than 900 scientists, engineers and technical professionals work in 75 R&D and quality assurance labs worldwide to support product development and create a culture of scientific excellence. Top-selling brands for Amway are NUTRILITE™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY™ skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring™ water treatment systems. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

SOURCE Amway