Steve:
Something to help you with your research??.......
Friday June 4, 6:13 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Oxford Gene Technology Limited
OGT Files Patent Infringement Suits Against
Affymetrix In UK and US
OXFORD, England, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxford Gene Technology Limited (OGT), the UK based company set up to
exploit the DNA microarray patents of Professor Ed Southern, Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, has filed
law suits in the UK and US against Affymetrix (Nasdaq: AFFX - news) alleging infringement of European Patent numbered
0-373-203 entitled ''Analysing Polynucleotide Sequences'' and US Patent numbered 5,700,637 entitled ''Apparatus and
Method for Analysing Polynucleotide Sequences and Method of Generating Oligonucleotide Arrays''. These fundamental DNA
microarray patents, based on earlier research by Professor Southern, were filed in 1989.
OGT believes that Affymetrix has been knowingly infringing its US Patent since the Patent issue in December 1997 and that it is
also now making substantial sales in Europe, where OGT also has broad patent protection. OGT is seeking substantial
compensation for what it believes are at least 17 months of infringing sales, which are still continuing.
Affymetrix has been relying on a consortium clause in OGT's 1996 Licence Agreement with Beckman Coulter in its claim to
have obtained access to OGT's patents. OGT does not believe it is obliged to grant a licence to Affymetrix under this
Agreement and is seeking a declaration against Affymetrix and Beckman in the UK.
OGT has indicated that it is prepared to grant Affymetrix a licence under terms satisfactory to OGT, but believes Affymetrix
has been trying to use a legal device to obtain better terms.
OGT holds fundamental patents for DNA microarrays and related technologies and is determined to protect and, where
necessary, enforce, its intellectual property rights.
Issued for and on behalf of Oxford Gene Technology Limited and Manches Solicitors by HCC De Facto Group plc.
SOURCE: Oxford Gene Technology Limited |
