Natera, PerkinElmer Sued for DNA Test Patent Infringement (1)

Genetic testing company Natera Inc. and diagnostics company PerkinElmer Inc. were sued by Ravgen Inc. in Texas federal court for allegedly infringing patents that cover technology used in non-invasive DNA tests.

The companies sell tests that use the patented technology to detect genetic abnormalities in fetuses as well as in other DNA tests, according to the Monday complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Ravgen owns U.S. Patent Nos. 7,727,720 and 7,332,277, covering methods to detect cell-free DNA. Ravgen said the technology covered by the patents is used to replace conventional, invasive prenatal testing.

According ...