Eppendorf has initiated an
import ban for Nanosphere, Inc.'s Verigene(R) and Verigene(R) SP systems for
infringement of European patent EP 1 179 180 B2, titled "Method for the
identification and/or the quantification of a target compound". The import
ban covers any and all imports of the respective products into any country of
the European Union. Customs authorities are required to confiscate any
violating products.
The patent covers Eppendorf's Silverquant(R) microarray technology,
offered in Eppendorf's Silverquant scanner and Silverquant detection kit used
e.g. for Eppendorf's own microarrays. The technology is also licensed to two
companies for commercialization with their microarrays.
In addition, Eppendorf has successfully initiated an import ban for the
Verigene(R) kits based on the German utility model DE 20023342U1, also
covering Eppendorf's Silverquant products. This ban prohibits imports into
Germany either from outside the EU or from within the EU.
"Considering Nanosphere's announcement of having received the CE mark for
the Verigene(R) system, Eppendorf has taken these steps to prevent the
introduction of these products that are not licensed to use our patented
technology into the European Union", commented Sven Bulow, Managing Director
of Eppendorf Biochip Systems GmbH.
In fiscal 2008, the company's sales revenues amounted to EUR 410 million
with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 71.9 million.
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