In a recent legal development, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) determined that the biotechnology company, Guardant Health, could not successfully demonstrate that the contested claims within a University of Washington patent for DNA sequencing were unpatentable. This decision takes place in the lead-up to an infringement trial scheduled for the subsequent month.
This outcome is the result of a detailed examination by the PTAB of the arguments presented by Guardant Health. Guardant Health voiced their contention against certain assertions made in the University of Washington’s DNA sequencing patent. Yet, after a comprehensive review, the PTAB found that the company’s points of contention did not provide sufficient grounds for the patentable claims to be deemed unpatentable.
Guardant’s challenge to the patent could have carried significant implications for both parties involved, as well as setting a potential precedent for the future discussions around the patentability of certain scientific methods and technologies. The PTAB’s verdict, however, indicates that the claims in the University of Washington’s patent were sufficiently unique and innovative to meet the conditions for patentability.
Further details regarding the specifics of the PTAB ruling can be found at Law360.