Court Grants Natera’s Request to Include Additional Patent in its Lawsuit Against NeoGenomics

Rhea-AI Summary

Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA) has expanded its patent infringement lawsuit against NeoGenomics by adding U.S. Patent No. 11,319,596 to the case. The District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina granted Natera's request on December 10, 2024. The amended complaint now includes both the '596 and previously asserted '454 patents, claiming infringement by NeoGenomics' modified RaDaR® test for molecular residual disease. This legal action follows earlier court decisions in December 2023 and September 2024 that resulted in preliminary and permanent injunctions against NeoGenomics' previous version of the RaDaR® test. Natera is pursuing full remedies, including injunctive relief, against NeoGenomics' current RaDaR® test offering.

Positive

• Successful expansion of patent infringement lawsuit with additional patent
• Previous court victories with preliminary and permanent injunctions against competitor's earlier product
• Strong legal position to protect intellectual property rights

Negative

• Ongoing legal expenses from patent litigation

Insights

Legal Expert

The court's decision to allow Natera to expand its patent infringement lawsuit against NeoGenomics is significant, particularly given the recent history of injunctions against NeoGenomics' previous RaDaR test version. The addition of Patent No. 11,319,596 alongside the existing '454 patent strengthens Natera's legal position. With prior successful injunctions secured in December 2023 and September 2024, there's a established precedent that could influence the outcome of this expanded case. The pursuit of injunctive relief against the modified version of RaDaR demonstrates Natera's aggressive stance in protecting its intellectual property in the molecular residual disease testing space. This ongoing litigation could significantly impact NeoGenomics' ability to compete in this market segment.

Market Research Analyst

This legal development represents a strategic move in the competitive molecular diagnostics market. Natera's aggressive patent enforcement strategy aims to protect its market position in molecular residual disease testing, a high-growth segment of the liquid biopsy market. The expansion of the lawsuit to include an additional patent suggests Natera is building a stronger protective moat around its intellectual property. Given the previous successful injunctions against NeoGenomics' earlier RaDaR version, this expanded case could further restrict competition in the space. For Natera shareholders, this demonstrates the company's commitment to defending its market position and potential revenue streams.

Amended complaint asserts infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. ‘596 and ‘454 by the modified version of NeoGenomics’ RaDaR assay

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and genetic testing, today announced an expansion of its patent infringement lawsuit against NeoGenomics, Inc. related to its RaDaR® tests.

On December 10, 2024, the District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (“The District Court”) granted Natera’s request to include an additional patent in its ongoing lawsuit against NeoGenomics. Natera’s amended complaint now includes U.S. Patent No. 11,319,596, as well as U.S. Patent No. 11,530,454 as previously asserted in the complaint.

Natera asserts infringement of the ’596 and ’454 patents by the new version of NeoGenomics’ RaDaR® test, which tests for molecular residual disease. This follows a December 2023 preliminary injunction and September 2024 permanent injunction ordered by the District Court of NeoGenomics’ previous version of its RaDaR® test.

Natera is seeking full remedies against NeoGenomics’ current RaDaR® test offering, including injunctive relief.

About Natera

Natera^TM is a global leader in cell-free DNA and genetic testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. We aim to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health, and inform earlier, more targeted interventions that help lead to longer, healthier lives. Natera’s tests are validated by more than 250 peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate high accuracy. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, Texas and San Carlos, California. For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not a representation that Natera’s plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent Natera’s expectations as of the date of this press release, and Natera disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including with respect to developments in matters under dispute or litigation, or the scope of protection we establish and maintain for, and developments or disputes concerning, our intellectual property or other proprietary rights. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in "Risk Factors" in Natera’s recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and in other filings Natera makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available at www.natera.com/investors and www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217859445/en/

Investor Relations: Mike Brophy, CFO, Natera, Inc., 510-826-2350, investor@natera.com

Media: Lesley Bogdanow, VP of Corporate Communications, Natera, Inc., pr@natera.com

Source: Natera, Inc.

FAQ

What new patent did Natera (NTRA) add to its lawsuit against NeoGenomics?

Natera added U.S. Patent No. 11,319,596 to its lawsuit against NeoGenomics on December 10, 2024.

How many patents is Natera (NTRA) asserting against NeoGenomics' RaDaR test?

Natera is asserting two patents against NeoGenomics' RaDaR test: U.S. Patent No. 11,319,596 and U.S. Patent No. 11,530,454.

What previous legal actions has Natera (NTRA) won against NeoGenomics' RaDaR test?

Natera secured a preliminary injunction in December 2023 and a permanent injunction in September 2024 against NeoGenomics' previous version of the RaDaR test.

What remedies is Natera (NTRA) seeking in its expanded patent lawsuit?

Natera is seeking full remedies, including injunctive relief, against NeoGenomics' current RaDaR test offering.