10x Genomics Secures Permanent Injunction Against Bruker Over Patent Infringement Issues
In a significant legal victory for the life sciences sector, 10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG), a leading innovator in single cell and spatial biology, has successfully secured a permanent injunction against Bruker Corporation concerning its GeoMx products. This move comes following a ruling by the U.S. District Court in Delaware that cited patent infringement related to multiple products linked to Bruker, which had previously acquired the GeoMx product line from NanoString Technologies.
The injunction, which is set to be formally entered in January 2025, will effectively prevent Bruker from manufacturing, utilizing, distributing, or promoting its GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, as well as associated instruments, reagents, and services used for RNA and protein detection within the United States. However, the Court has also taken steps to mitigate disruption to ongoing research by granting a carve-out for existing GeoMx users who have acquired the instruments prior to November 2023. This decision allows these users to continue their research and purchase necessary reagents, establishing a balanced approach to safeguarding intellectual property rights while facilitating scientific progress.
Eric Whitaker, Chief Legal Officer at 10x Genomics, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing that the company is dedicated to fostering scientific advancements. "Today's decision helps to safeguard our decade-long investment in innovation and ensures we can continue to develop groundbreaking technologies that help our customers revolutionize science," he stated. Whitaker further highlighted that the structure of the injunction is designed to protect both 10x's intellectual property and the ongoing research efforts of current GeoMx users.
The Court's ruling also affirmed the $31 million in damages awarded by a jury in November 2023, which found that NanoString had willfully infringed upon seven patents exclusively licensed to 10x Genomics by Prognosys. During the trial, key testimonies were presented from industry leaders, including Mark Chee, co-founder of Illumina, and executives from NanoString, which led to a unanimous jury conclusion on the infringement's validity and the intentionality behind it.
The patents in question include several significant innovations in the spatial genomics domain, all centered around technologies that are critical for advancing research in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. By establishing a protective legal framework, 10x Genomics aims to fortify its competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market while encouraging collaboration and continued progress within the scientific community.
With the landscape of life sciences research hinging on robust technologies and methodologies, 10x Genomics remains committed to its mission of enhancing our understanding of biological systems through innovative solutions. The ongoing developments in this case not only underscore the need for intellectual property protection in technology but also illuminate the delicate balance between innovation rights and public accessibility to scientific tools—an aspect that will continue to shape the future of biopharmaceutical research and development.