10x Genomics sued over cell research tools
Genome sequencing company 10x Genomics has been accused of infringing 11 patents covering cell research and analysis tools.
On Thursday, November 15, Beckton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and Cellular Research (which has now been acquired by BD) filed the patent infringement complaint against 10x Genomics at the US District Court for the District of Delaware.
A total of 11 patents, which cover technologies for single molecule digital counting and single-cell multiplex platforms, are asserted in the suit.
BD said that the patents contribute to the company’s reputation as an industry leader in these areas and help protect BD’s investments. For example, BD’s innovation led to the development of a platform called the BD Rhapsody Single Cell Analysis System in 2017, the company added.
The proprietary system can be used for transcriptome profiling (the study of the genetic regulation of a particular cell type).
However, 10x has allegedly infringed 11 patents related to BD’s proprietary system through its own single cell solutions and workflows.
Two of 10x’s cell solutions—Single Cell Gene Expression Solution and Single Cell Immune Profiling Solution—and its Single Cell 3 and Single Cell 5 workflows are among the infringing products, according to BD.
BD said that 10x has had knowledge of the asserted patents since at least May 2017 and is aware that it needs a licence to make, use, or sell the single cell solutions and workflows.
10x has also induced infringement of the patents by providing customers with the accused products, along with directions which instruct consumers to use a kit which violates BD’s IP, the suit said.
BD has asked for injunctive relief and enhanced damages for wilful infringement of the asserted patents.
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