Affymetrix, Oxford Gene Settle Patent Lawsuits

Affymetrix Inc., the largest maker of chips used in genetic research, and Oxford Gene Technology Ltd. said they settled all patent lawsuits between the companies for undisclosed terms. Closely held Oxford Gene had sued Affymetrix in U.S. District Court in Delaware, alleging Affymetrix infringed a patent for gene chips, slides containing DNA fragments that are used by drug makers to analyze genetic material. A jury in November decided Affymetrix violated the patent, setting the stage for a damages ruling. Oxford Gene had sought $40 million. The settlement also ends a complaint before the British Court of Appeal, which ruled in favor of Affymetrix last year in a related dispute. The court found that Affymetrix gained the rights to the Oxford Gene patents when it purchased Beckman Coulter Inc.’s gene-research business in 1999. Santa Clara, Calif.-based Affymetrix shares rose 6 cents to $26.75 on Nasdaq.