ANO has global patents on almost everything they are into - the...

ANO has global patents on almost everything they are into - the core product was recently renewed via a modified process that allows for the patent life to be extended. The production process is unique and provides superior performance and efficient production to lower costs.

There's also other more realistic protections from elaborate know how (it's not easy to replicate ANO's manufacturing process - ANO itself found it difficult to setup new facilities in the past despite having all the documentation, original inventors on payroll, the right equipment, the right ingredients etc) plus the specific supply chain control (ANO use particular supply of precursor material and has various agreements for this).

Another factor in the competition is the operation itself. Our main competitors are multi-billion dollar businesses that move slowly. We are nipping at their heels with efficient operations offering a cheaper and superior performing product.

ANO does not create generic, commodity zinc oxide - this is a particular pharmaceutical product for cosmetic purposes of which substitutions are not common. ANO struggled in the past to make this in any reasonable commercial volume - the demand is there and they are basically continually maxing capacity while growing at triple digit rates.