For immediate release 12 August 2016
Genus plc ('Genus')
FURTHER Decisions in US Litigation
Genus plc (LSE: GNS), a global pioneer in animal genetics, following the announcement earlier today, can now report further jury verdicts in its litigation against Inguran LLC, operating as Sexing Technologies ('ST'), relating to ABS's Genus Sexed Semen ('GSS') processing technology.
At the trial, in the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin where the verdicts were announced yesterday, the jury found that (i) ST's patent number 8,206,987 was valid and infringed; (ii) that ST's patent number 8,198,092 was valid and infringed; and (iii) that ABS had materially breached the confidentiality obligations under the 2012 semen sorting agreement between the parties. The jury will now consider a verdict on damages in relation to these matters later this week.
In verdicts delivered on 10 August the jury determined that ABS and Genus had proved that ST had wilfully maintained monopoly power in the market for sexed bovine semen processing in the US since July 2012. The jury also found that Genus had not proved that it had suffered injury as a result of ST's wilful maintenance of monopoly power.
GSS is a novel technology for sexing bovine semen that does not subject the sperm cells to high pressures and forces. Dairy farmers have a preference for female calves, and the use of gender skewed sexed semen in artificial insemination provides customers with female calves from ABS's elite genetic lines. The commercial launch of GSS product would provide ABS customers and third party bull studs with an alternative service provider and increased competition in the market for the processing of sexed bovine semen.
Genus is awaiting the court's decision on a number of motions relating to the provisions of the 2012 semen sorting agreement and is considering its post verdict motions. Genus will update the market further as rulings are made.
For further information:
Genus:
Karim Bitar, Chief Executive +44 (0)1256 345 970
Stephen Wilson, Group Finance Director +44 (0)1256 345 970
Dan Hartley, Group General Counsel & Company Secretary (for legal enquiries) +44 (0)1256 345 970
Buchanan:
Charles Ryland / Vicky Hayns +44 (0) 207 466 5000
About Genus:
Genus creates advances to animal breeding and genetic improvement by applying biotechnology and sells added value products for livestock farming and food producers. Its technology is applicable across all livestock species and is currently commercialised by Genus in the dairy, beef and pork food production sectors.
Genus's worldwide sales are made in over seventy-five countries under the trademarks 'ABS' (dairy and beef cattle) and 'PIC' (pigs) and comprise semen, embryos and breeding animals with superior genetics to those animals currently in production. Genus's customers' animals produce offspring with greater production efficiency, and quality, and use these to supply the global dairy and meat supply chain.
The Group's competitive edge has been created from the ownership and control of proprietary lines of breeding animals, the biotechnology used to improve them and its global supply chain, technical service and sales and distribution network.
With headquarters in Basingstoke, United Kingdom, Genus companies operate in over twenty-five countries on six continents, with research laboratories located in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
