Israeli-based GFA Advanced Systems was awarded $4 million in damages by the Tel Aviv District Court Sunday, over proprietary rights violation by New York City-based Local Ocean LLC. According to the case file, Local Ocean made use of GFA's ("Grow Fish Anywhere") proprietary fish farming technology – which allows for eco-friendly breeding – without obtaining the company's permission. GFA developed a fully closed, zero discharge intensive aquaculture system for fresh and saltwater fish. The company says that the system prevents environmental pollution, and can operate in any climate regardless of the availability of water resources or proximity to the sea. Local Ocean operates a commercial zero-discharge fish farm in the Hudson area in New York State. (Photo: GFA) The court ordered that "GFA would receive financial compensation in the amount of US $4 million to be paid over several interest bearing installments and to be secured by a pledge over 49% of the holdings in the entity that holds and operates the Hudson farm". The court also found that Local Ocean was in violation of its joint venture agreement with GFA, which was signed in 2009, and ordered it terminated. Dotan Bar Noy, GFA's CEO commented: "This is an important milestone for Grow Fish Anywhere, which sends a clear message to the market. Our unique know-how and technology has a significant value and we have and will continue to ensure that it is safe-guarded and protected. "We are happy to leave this dispute behind us and move forward with our research and developments efforts and the implementation thereof in new future fish farms." "GFA possesses unique proprietary knowhow and this verdict shows the company is willing to protect it both in Israel and abroad," a statement by attorneys Nir Kehat and Tomer Maharshak, who represented the company in the proceedings, said. "GFA is currently expanding its global activity and we have no doubt that this ruling will serve as a warning sign to anyone thinking of infringing on the company's rights." Reprinted with permission of PsakDin.co.il Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter