BU, Worcester Firm Settle Patent Quibble
Boston University and its Center for Human Genetics Inc. have agreed to no longer offer testing services patented by Worcester-based Athena Diagnostics Inc.
Athena notified BU that the university and the CHG were using 11 patented tests related to hearing loss, developmental disorders caused by certain gene mutations, kidney disease, spinal muscular atrophy and other neurological disorders.
The agreement between BU and Athena does not affect any non-commercial research at BU, the university said. BU said much of the technology involved in the tests in question was discovered by academic scientists, patented by their universities and licensed to Athena for the commercial development of diagnostic testing services.
From now on, the Center for Human Genetics will ask Athena's permission to use its licensed or patented testing services. The center may also advise clients to obtain those services directly from Athena.
Athena develops and manufactures diagnostic testing for neurological disorders. The company is owned by Waltham-based Thermo-Fisher Scientific.
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