Cellectis, Precision BioSciences genomics news

Precision filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina alleging that Cellectis is infringing on U.S. Patent No. 8,129,134 through the sale of meganucleases targeting the HIV-1 genome, the human RAG1 gene, and the HPRT and GS genes in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The '134 patent covers methods of cleaving DNA with rationally-designed meganucleases. Precision has exclusive rights to the patent from Duke University. Precision is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Cellectis from infringing on the patent, as well as damages and court fees. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued the patent earlier this month.

Precision has filed similar suits claiming Cellectis' actions infringed on other patents covering engineered meganucleases, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,119,381, 8,119,361 and 8,021,867. Cellectis filed countersuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that the company has not infringed on any claims of the '381 and '361 or '867 patents and that the patents' claims are invalid. Both countersuits are related to a patent infringement suit against Precision, which Cellectis filed in the District of Delaware on March 1, 2011, arguing that its U.S. Patent No. 7,897,372 is "prior art" to the '867 patent (see BioCentury, Oct. 10, 2011 & Feb. 27, 2012). ...