#United States #Minneapolis #Bio-Techne #Miltenyi Biotec #NKG2C/CD159c

Bio-Techne Triumphs in Court Against Miltenyi Biotec

In a significant ruling this January, Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) emerged victorious in its latest legal battle against Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG concerning the unauthorized commercialization of its proprietary NKG2C/CD159c antibodies. This decision marks the second time in less than two years that a court has sided with Bio-Techne over claims of reverse engineering by Miltenyi.

Background of the Case

The litigious journey began after Bio-Techne discovered that the variable regions of Miltenyi's NKG2C/CD159c antibodies were identical to its RD Systems branded antibodies. This led Bio-Techne to pursue legal action in the Cologne Regional Court in Germany, where it sought justice for what it termed as unlawful appropriation of its intellectual property.

The court's decision confirmed Bio-Techne's assertions, finding that Miltenyi had not only marketed these reverse-engineered antibodies but was also liable for damages stemming from their sales. The ruling entitles Bio-Techne to recovery of costs incurred during the legal proceedings, as well as detailed disclosures concerning Miltenyi's processes surrounding the reverse engineering of its proprietary products.

Bio-Techne's Response

Bio-Techne's President and CEO, Kim Kelderman, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, highlighting the importance of intellectual property protection in fostering innovation. He remarked, “We are pleased the court has recognized that Miltenyi has repeatedly and unlawfully passed off Bio-Techne's proprietary innovations to Miltenyi's customers as their own.” This reflects a larger commitment from Bio-Techne to defend its innovations established over nearly five decades of research and product development.

The company emphasizes the critical role its products play in the scientific discovery landscape, allowing researchers to uncover important biological insights and contribute to medical advancements. Bio-Techne's dedication to safeguarding its intellectual property not only benefits its own interests but reinforces the integrity of the broader scientific community.

Continuation of Legal Actions

Following this ruling, Miltenyi Biotec has the option to appeal the decision. However, the implications of such rulings extend beyond this particular case. They resonate within the tech and biotech industries, where the lines of innovation and intellectual property can often blur. Bio-Techne's firm stance against reverse engineering and patent infringement serves as a clear message to the market about protecting proprietary technologies.

In light of Bio-Techne's robust portfolio—comprising hundreds of thousands of products and yielding approximately $1.2 billion in net sales in fiscal 2024—this ruling could catalyze similar actions against other market players engaging in what is perceived as unethical practices in innovation replication.

Looking Ahead

As Bio-Techne prepares to further its mission of delivering biological tools and reagents that enhance research and diagnostics, the company remains vigilant against any infringement on its intellectual property. The recent victory not only fortifies its market position but also serves as a potential deterrent for entities contemplating similar corporate practices.

The bio-pharmaceutical landscape constantly evolves, and with technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, the role of legal protections becomes increasingly important. Bio-Techne's journey through the legal system illustrates the intersection of innovation and ethics in today’s competitive markets. As the story unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely how this legal landscape shapes the future of biotech innovations and collaborations.