Patent is not Fluorination processThe science of Fluorination is not new. What is new and patentable is adapting the process to known carbohydrate molecules for improved pharmaceutical applicaitons. Sirona's web site mentions that their fluorination process is proprietary, I think they claim this because TFC Chem is owned by Sirona and it is a process used by TFC but not patented by TFC... Sirona needs to get as many novel carbohydrates fluorinated to patent for themselves. The first to market and future source of license money depends on quick research. Fluorinated Arbutin is patented by Sirona there for any one cosmetic company currently using Alpha or Beta Arbutin (TFC849 743 Fluorinated Alpha and Beta) wishing to modify their compound to include Fluorinate Alpha Arbutin will have to sublicense from Obagi. Obagi controls the worlds best skin lightener and could command a high price for it and any sublicenses. Another Unknown company to license the lesser performer Fluorinated Beta Arbutin which is still highly effective and does not produce hydroquinone could run head to head with Obagi's products. This is where multiple licenses could come in to play. $$$$$ Billions... Both lighten the skin and both are safe.
Further to comment made about what If Obagi Fluorinated their own compounds it is simple Sirona would not be the beneficiary. If I am wrong here I am sure there will be some one to correct me. for organic fluorination information go to wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organofluorine_chemistry
Still worth a pile more than it is trading at. IMHO