Bio-Techne Prevails in Second Case Against Miltenyi Biotec for Reverse Engineering of Antibodies
Corporation announced today that it has successfully won another legal claim against Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, which allegedly commercialized antibodies that were developed by reverse engineering Bio-Techne’s proprietary R&D Systems-branded NKG2C/CD159c antibodies. This legal victory comes just months after a similar case in 2023, in which Miltenyi was found to have unlawfully reverse engineered and commercialized Bio-Techne’s proprietary antibodies, including those for TIGIT and CCR-7.
This recent case was brought before the Cologne Regional Court in Germany (docket no. 33 O 221/24), after Bio-Techne discovered that the variable regions of Miltenyi’s NKG2C/CD159c antibodies were found to be 100% identical to Bio-Techne’s own R&D Systems-branded antibodies. Upon investigation, Bio-Techne also uncovered that Miltenyi had been marketing and selling these antibodies, which were allegedly reverse engineered from Bio-Techne’s original products.
The Cologne Regional Court found in favor, ruling that Miltenyi’s actions were unlawful and amounted to infringement on Bio-Techne’s intellectual property. The court concluded that Miltenyi’s antibodies were not independently developed, but were instead derived from Bio-Techne’s proprietary technology, and that Miltenyi had marketed them as their own. As a result, Bio-Techne is entitled to financial compensation, including monetary damages for Miltenyi’s sales of the reverse engineered antibodies. Additionally, Bio-Techne is entitled to reimbursement for the costs it incurred in proving that Miltenyi had copied its antibodies. The court also mandated that Miltenyi provide detailed information about its unlawful reverse engineering activities, which will further inform Bio-Techne’s efforts to safeguard its intellectual property.
Kim Kelderman, the President and CEO , expressed his satisfaction with the court’s ruling: “We are pleased the court has recognized that Miltenyi has repeatedly and unlawfully passed off Bio-Techne’s proprietary innovations to Miltenyi’s customers as their own. Has spent nearly five decades developing an extensive catalogue of cutting-edge solutions that empower the scientific community to discover novel biological insights and develop advanced therapeutics. This ruling affirms the importance of defending our intellectual property, and we will continue to vigorously protect it against Miltenyi or any other potential offenders.”
The decision highlights the growing trend of intellectual property disputes within the biotechnology and life sciences sectors, where the protection of proprietary technology is critical for maintaining competitive advantage. Bio-Techne’s legal victories underscore its commitment to safeguarding the innovations that have contributed to its longstanding reputation as a leader in the development of advanced scientific tools and therapeutic solutions.
Bio-Techne Prevails in Second Legal Claim Against Miltenyi Biotec
R&D Systems brand is renowned for its high-quality antibodies, reagents, and other essential tools used in a wide array of life sciences research applications. These products have played a crucial role in advancing biomedical research and drug development, including work related to immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. The company has invested heavily in the development of its proprietary technologies, creating a robust portfolio of innovative products that support researchers worldwide in their efforts to unlock new biological discoveries and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
In recent years, the rise of intellectual property theft and patent infringement claims has intensified in the biotech industry, particularly as the commercialization of innovative technologies becomes more competitive. Actions against Miltenyi Biotec demonstrate the company’s proactive stance in protecting its intellectual property and ensuring that its innovations are not misappropriated by competitors.
Bio-Techne has also made it clear that it will not hesitate to take legal action against any companies that attempt to infringe upon its patents or intellectual property. In addition to defending its existing products, Bio-Techne is continuing to innovate and expand its portfolio of scientific solutions, ensuring that its research and development pipeline remains strong and resilient to competitive threats.
The court’s decision also sends a broader message to the biotechnology industry about the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. As companies continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation, it is imperative that they adhere to ethical standards and avoid engaging in activities that undermine the value of proprietary technologies developed by others. By taking a firm stance against reverse engineering and intellectual property theft, Bio-Techne aims to foster a more fair and transparent competitive landscape within the biotechnology sector.
Bio-Techne’s legal success comes at a time of significant growth for the company, as it continues to build on its leadership position in the life sciences tools and reagents market. The company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and advancing scientific discovery remains at the heart of its business strategy, and the recent court ruling serves as a reinforcement of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its intellectual property.
Bio-Techne will continue to monitor the market for any potential threats to its proprietary technology and will take action as necessary to protect its intellectual property rights. The company remains focused on its mission of empowering scientists and researchers with the tools they need to drive the future of biotechnology and medicine.
In conclusion, victory against Miltenyi Biotec is a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to safeguard its intellectual property and protect its innovations from unauthorized use. As the biotechnology industry continues to evolve, Bio-Techne’s proactive approach to intellectual property protection sets a strong example for other companies in the sector. With a continued focus on innovation and a firm commitment to defending its proprietary technologies, Bio-Techne is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the life sciences market for years to come.
