
Tecan Sues QIAGEN and Invitae Over Next Generation Sequencing Sample Preparation Patents
Tecan Genomics, a developer of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation kits and automation solutions, has initiated legal action to halt the ongoing infringement of claimed patented technologies. The company has filed lawsuits in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on October 6th against several defendants, including QIAGEN and Invitae, accusing them of unauthorized use of Tecan Genomics’ NGS technology. The lawsuit seeks to put an end to the infringing activities and secure compensation for the patent infringement.
The lawsuit surrounds the offering both services and kits that utilize technologies developed by Tecan Genomics for DNA enrichment. The patents at issue pertain to Tecan’s “Anchored Multiplex PCR” (AMP) target enrichment technology, including those covered by the ‘012, ‘108, ‘399, ‘357, and ‘241 patents. The patents pertain to technologies aimed to improve selective target enrichment methods for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). They are used to reduce contamination signals while enhancing sensitivity, and accuracy in the enrichment process. The patents also cover innovative techniques for selecting specific transcripts and fragments in next generation sequencing sample preparation. These methods involve capturing desired transcripts and fragments, which are subsequently amplified to generate a library for further study.
Tecan claims that Invitae’s infringing products and services include at least ArcherDX VariantPlex AMP Panels, ArcherDX FusionPlex AMP Panels, ArcherDX LiquidPlex AMP Panels, Invitae Personalized Cancer MonitoringTM – Baseline Test, and the Invitae Personized Cancer MonitoringTM – Monitoring Test. For QIAGEN, the complaint claims the infringing products and services include at least QIAseq Targeted DNA Panel, QIAseq Targeted Methyl Panel, QIAseq Targeted RNAscan Panel, QIAseq Immune Repertoire RNA Library.
In the lawsuit, Tecan Genomics alleges that the defendants have knowingly and willfully infringed on Tecan Genomics’ patents by using their proprietary NGS technology without authorization. The complaints asserts that QIAGEN, Archer, Invitae, and IDT have been aware of this infringement for years, and even after receiving notice letters in 2023, they have continued to infringe Tecan Genomics’ patents.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for patent infringement and an injunction to prevent further infringement by the defendants.