Scientists are getting caught in the cross-fire in the legal battle between
Roche and promega over the taq polymerase (used in PCR)patent.
Briefly, Promega are trying to get the patent overturned in the US
because it is 'prior art' i.e. they maintain that taq had been described
previous to the patent being granted to Cetus (who sold it to Roche).
The latest thing is that Roche have compiled a list of over 200 US
scientists in universities and laboratories who they say have acted illegally.
The list seems to consist of people who have published papers in which
the source of their taq was Promega. The full list is available on
Promega's WWW page (http://www.promega.com) as are more details
about the litigation.
The European taq patent has been withdrawn, pending further
investigation, partly as a result of the Promega action.
I should say here that this info is distilled from the Promega press release
which may not be the most objective source.
I would also like to declare an interest: I am sick and tired of being ripped
off by taq prices several times the real cost.
Kevin O'Donnell
Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
Edinburgh
Scotland
