Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc (LON: ONT), a UK-based leader in nanopore sequencing technology, has disclosed in a London Stock Exchange filing its intention to pursue legal action against China’s genomics powerhouse BGI and its affiliates. The company alleges that BGI’s newly launched nanopore-based sequencing platform infringes upon or misappropriates Oxford Nanopore’s extensive proprietary rights, which it deems essential for the commercial use of such technology globally.
Oxford Nanopore has already initiated legal proceedings in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, filing subpoenas against entities including Complete Genomics Inc., Innomics Inc. (formerly BGI Americas Corp.), and MGI Americas Inc. The company is also preparing to take legal action in the UK against BGI Tech Solutions Co., Ltd, BGI Group, Beijing Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, MGI Holdings Co., Limited, and MGI Tech Co., Ltd. The primary claims are expected to focus on breaches of confidence under common law, violations of trade secret duties, and claims for entitlement to licensing of certain patents.
BGI’s foray into nanopore sequencing was marked by the August launch of the CycloneSEQ platform. Its subsidiary MGI has since announced two new nanopore sequencers, the CycloneSeq-WT02 and CycloneSeq-WY01, featuring advanced capabilities in independent operation. Industry observers note that Oxford Nanopore’s platform is patent-protected in the US through 2029, suggesting potential grounds for the dispute. – Flcube.com
