Richard,
Paracelsian does have patents for the technology used to detect dioxin-like compounds in the environment. I don't know what the status is for the P34 CDK screening technology. I'm guessing it is not patented because I didn't see anything about it being patented in their 1995 Annual Report. I did notice the following in their Annual Report which you might find relevant:
"The patent positions of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology firms as well as academic and other research institutions, are uncertain and involve complex factual and legal questions. Accordingly, no firm predictions can be made regarding the allownace, breadth or enforceability of claims in these applications or others that may be filed by the Company (Paracelsian). The Company and Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. believe that they have the sole and exclusive rights in the technologies underlying the Company's products. The Company would vigorously defend any attempt by any individuals to assert any rights in such technologies. Although Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. has substantial resources to legally enforce its patent rights, there can be no assurance that it will do so. If Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. elects not to enforce its patent rights in the technologies underlying the Comany's products, the Company has the right under its license agreement with Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. to seek to enforce those rights. However, in such event, there can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial resources to do so. In addition, although all of the Company's employees are parties to confidentiality agreements which are intended to protect the Company's proprietary technology, there can be no assurance that any of such employees will not compromise any of the Company's proprietary rights.
The Company also relies upon unpatented proprietary technology, and no assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or techniques or otherwise gain access to the Company's proprietary technology or disclose such technology or that the Company can meaningfully protect its rights to such unpatented proprietary technology."
Richard, there is a lot of information about the Company in the Annual Report. It is difficult reading at times, and I must admit that there are some nuances in the science that it explains that I don't fully understand. Yet it is well worth reading. If you don't have a copy I think it would be worth your while to contact the Company and ask them to send you one. Their phone number is(607)- 257-4224 |
