Bruker and 10x Genomics Reach Global Settlement in Spatial Biology Patent Dispute
Bruker Corporation and 10x Genomics have announced a global settlement that puts an end to their long-running and highly publicized patent litigation, including multiple proceedings in the United States, Germany, and before the European Unified Patent Court (UPC). The agreement includes cross-licensing of patents between the two companies and brings final closure to one of the first major legal disputes to shape UPC jurisprudence.
The settlement allows Bruker to continue commercializing its CosMx® Spatial Molecular Imager and related reagents, which were acquired from NanoString Technologies in 2024. These instruments had been at the center of the dispute, with 10x Genomics alleging infringement of patents exclusively licensed from Harvard University.
“This is a great outcome for the scientific community,” said Dr. Mark R. Munch, President of the Bruker Nano Group. “Researchers can now continue their work using Bruker’s spatial biology platforms without concern that litigation could interfere with their advancements in oncology, neurobiology, and other fields.”
One of UPC’s First Landmark Cases
The litigation began in 2023 when 10x Genomics filed for preliminary injunctions and infringement claims before the UPC, shortly after the court's launch. In a significant decision in March 2024, the UPC Court of Appeal overturned a previously granted injunction, signaling that 10x Genomics’ asserted patent EP 4 108 782, might not withstand the invalidation proceeding. Nevertheless, the European Patent Office upheld the patent later that year, allowing infringement proceedings in Germany to resume.
The multi-jurisdictional dispute had sweeping consequences. NanoString, the original manufacturer of the disputed platform, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2024 following a temporary sales ban in Europe. Bruker acquired NanoString's assets in May 2024, continuing the legal battle while working to restore market access.
Looking Ahead
Recent signs of settlement emerged as hearings across venues were canceled. Now, with the global agreement finalized, all pending lawsuits and administrative actions will be withdrawn.
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