Replies to post #124853 on Biotech Values

[oc631]

I did hear a rumor or whisper anyway that IDIX owns some i.p. that VRUS will need.

Please provide a link to the rumor if possible. Sounds like looking for a gold nugget in a pile of coal.

[DewDiligence]

VRUS and IDIX use essentially the same technology, so it’s not crazy to think there might be an IP dispute at some point. However, I’m skeptical of your rumor because a legitimate claim against VRUS’ nukes would be material for IDIX, and hence it would presumably have been disclosed to investors.

I did hear a rumor or whisper anyway that IDIX owns some i.p. that VRUS will need.

What’s the distinction between a rumor and a whisper?

[mcbio]

I did hear a rumor or whisper anyway that IDIX owns some i.p. that VRUS will need.

Count me in the skeptical crowd on this one. ; ) That would be a pretty big plus for IDIX if true, one you think they would have trumpeted in the past given the amazing run VRUS has had. However, I've never heard IDIX trumpet this at all in any prior calls (admittedly I haven't paid attention as much since I closed out my position awhile back).

[DewDiligence]

IDIX says it has a claim on GILD’s nuke IP:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/idenix-pharmaceuticals-announces-declaration-patent-133000210.html

A patent interference is an administrative proceeding conducted by the USPTO in order to determine which party is entitled to a patent when two or more parties claim patent rights to the same technology… In this case, the USPTO has initially determined that Idenix is the senior party and that Pharmasset Inc. (acquired by Gilead Sciences) is the junior party.

By IDIX’s own admission, the patent in question is unrelated to IDX184, which is probably why today’s announcement is not doing anything positive for IDIX’s stock.