Oxford Nanopore is preparing a legal challenge against BGI, alleging a breach of contract.
- A US court application has been filed by Oxford Nanopore to support its upcoming lawsuit.
- The case centres on concerns of BGI using proprietary technology for commercial gain.
- Oxford Nanopore accuses BGI of breaching trade secrets regulations and patent rights.
- The legal actions reflect Oxford Nanopore’s vigilance in protecting its technological advancements.
Oxford Nanopore is gearing up for a significant legal battle against the Beijing-based genomics company BGI. The core issue at hand is an alleged breach of contract by BGI, prompting Oxford Nanopore to seek judicial recourse. The biotech firm is focusing on safeguarding its technological innovations, particularly in the realm of nanopore sequencing technology, which BGI allegedly used improperly.
To bolster its case, Oxford Nanopore has initiated legal proceedings in the Northern District of California. The aim is to obtain permission from the US court to serve subpoenas, supporting a larger case that the company plans to file in the courts of England and Wales. This strategic move underscores the seriousness with which Oxford Nanopore is pursuing its claims against BGI and MGI, a former subsidiary that has since become an independent entity.
Oxford Nanopore is asserting multiple claims, including breaches of contractual obligations and common law obligations of confidence. Additionally, the company is invoking the Trade Secrets (Enforcement etc.) Regulations 2018, alongside claims regarding patent rights. This comprehensive legal strategy highlights the multifaceted nature of the alleged infractions.
BGI’s previous business relationship with Oxford Nanopore involved conducting research using the latter’s technology. However, Oxford Nanopore suspects that BGI may have leveraged this access to develop its own comparable nanopore-based platform, potentially violating the terms of their initial agreement. This merits significant concern from Oxford Nanopore, as it works to protect its proprietary assets from unauthorised commercial exploitation.
Despite declining to comment on the impending litigation, an Oxford Nanopore spokesperson indicated doubts about BGI’s ability to ethically utilise its nanopore sequencing technology without infringing Oxford Nanopore’s substantial portfolio of proprietary rights. The public nature of these accusations has already impacted Oxford Nanopore’s market positioning, causing a 2.8% decline in share value to 140p.
Oxford Nanopore’s legal actions serve as a robust assertion of its commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property rights.
