lllumina Beats Rival’s DNA-Sequencing Tool Monopolization Claims

California-based Illumina Inc. defeated claims that the biotech firm illegally cornered the market for DNA-sequencing tools, after a federal judge said the plaintiff didn’t plead sufficient facts to support its theories.

Element Biosciences Inc. didn’t allege facts that if proven would show the existence of exclusive dealing agreements or tying arrangements, said Judge Noël Wise of the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Wise’s order Thursday granted Illumina’s motion to dismiss, but gave Element leave to amend its complaint and try again.

Both Element and Illumina develop, manufacture, and sell tools for DNA sequencing, the process scientists ...