RICHMOND, Texas, July 30 DNA-Heritage
RICHMOND, Texas, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- DNA Heritage has recently
overcome patent claims held by a competitor which would have severely
restricted the use of DNA testing and databases that allow families around
the world to match and connect up through their DNA. The patent covers the
use of surnames and Y-chromosomes to establish a family connection. The UK
Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has now rendered a formal opinion
stating that the relevant claims are all invalid.
Alastair Greenshields, principal of DNA Heritage said "Patents are often
needed to provide an incentive for innovative work, but in this case the
academic work lacked inventiveness as other researchers had already shown the
connection between surnames, Y-chromosomes and family history. This is a
great outcome and allows DNA Heritage and other test companies to continue
offering these tests and database services to the ever-growing genetic
genealogy community without having to raise prices due to royalty payments."
An infringement challenge from patent assignees Oxford Ancestors, which
had been running for over two years, was thwarted when DNA Heritage asked the
UK IPO to re-evaluate the patent claims in the light of work by previous
researchers. After considering submissions from both parties, an Opinion
provided on the 8th April 2008 (with a 3 month review period) found that of
the four claims contested, all four were invalid for lack of an inventive
step, and one was additionally lacking novelty.
Results from DNA Heritage's testing using at-home cheek swabs and their
accredited laboratory can both be fed into an in-house and public-access
Ybase database. These have become invaluable tools for those researching
their direct male lineage and surname.
About the company:
Established in 2002, DNA Heritage provides advanced genetic tests to the
genealogy community and those tracing their roots. An innovator in providing
multi-lab compatible tests and the open-access Ybase database, DNA Heritage
enables many genealogists around the world to enhance their families'
research. For more information, visit http://www.dnaheritage.com.
Alastair Greenshields - info@dnaheritage.com - Phone: +1-866-736-2362
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SOURCE DNA Heritage
