DuPont filed an Intent-to-Use trademark application TM98867137 for the HOWARU mark covering probiotic ingredient-related goods including: ingredients for industrial manufacture of foodstuffs and beverages (microbial cultures), cultures of microorganisms for medical/veterinary use, dietetic foods and beverages adapted for medical use, and food for babies (infant formula). The application was filed on November 22, 2024, with a deadline of March 31, 2026, to demonstrate actual use in commerce.

Competitors in the probiotic, functional food, and nutritional supplement sectors should review the application for potential conflicts with existing marks. Trademark clearance searches are recommended before launching similar product lines. No immediate compliance action is required, but parties with conflicting marks have an opportunity to oppose during the publication period.