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15 February 2018Americas

USITC to investigate microfluidic systems complaint

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) will be launching a patent infringement investigation into microfluidic systems, following a complaint from 10x Genomics.

The ITC announced the investigation into violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act yesterday, February 14.

10x Genomics, a developer and manufacturer of systems for genome sequencing, filed a complaint with the ITC in January. The investigation is the latest development in an ongoing feud between 10x Genomics and competitor Bio-Rad Laboratories.

The complaint alleged that certain microfluidic systems and components are being imported into the US and sold in violation of section 337, and that the products infringe patents owned by 10x Genomics.

10x Genomics develops and owns proprietary technology relating to microfluidics, which can be used to separate and label DNA and generate a distinct data type and provide information about the genome.

The allegedly infringing products being imported include microfluidic cartridges, reagents, and devices for preparing samples for genetic sequencing, according to the ITC.

Bio-Rad, which operates in the life sciences industry, was named as the respondent in the investigation.

In August 2017 Bio-Rad filed a lawsuit against 10x Genomics, accusing the company of infringing seven patents related to droplet manipulation technology, Genome Web reported. Bio-Rad also filed a lawsuit against 10x Genomics in 2014 for trade secret misappropriation, but the American Arbitration Association ruled in favour of 10x Genomics in 2015.

10x Genomics requests that the ITC issues a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

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More on this story

Americas
26 July 2019   Bio-Rad, a developer of clinical diagnostic products, secured a permanent injunction against a competitor earlier this week in a long-running dispute.
Americas
20 November 2018   Genome sequencing company 10x Genomics has been accused of infringing 11 patents covering cell research and analysis tools.

More on this story

Americas
26 July 2019   Bio-Rad, a developer of clinical diagnostic products, secured a permanent injunction against a competitor earlier this week in a long-running dispute.
Americas
20 November 2018   Genome sequencing company 10x Genomics has been accused of infringing 11 patents covering cell research and analysis tools.