In a recent legal development, HBM Holdings-B (ASX: 02142) has announced a favorable jury verdict in a patent infringement lawsuit. The jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled in favor of the group's member company, Harbour Antibodies BV, along with other related plaintiffs, in a case initially filed in 2021 against Amgen (ASX: AMGN) and its subsidiary Teneobio, Inc. (collectively referred to as "Amgen").
The lawsuit pertains to several patents protecting the group's antibody discovery platform, which is based on a pioneering invention by Professor Frank Grosveld, a co-founder of Harbour Antibodies (collectively known as the "Grosveld patents").
Key Findings from the Jury
Following a jury trial that commenced on June 8, 2026, the jury determined, among other things, that: (i) Amgen infringed the Grosveld patents; (ii) this infringement was willful; (iii) the Grosveld patents are valid; and (iv) Harbour Antibodies is entitled to damages of approximately $20.2037 million, which represents the full amount requested by the company.
Implications of the Willful Infringement Ruling
The finding of willful infringement grants Harbour Antibodies the right to petition the court for enhanced damages, which could include an award of up to three times the original amount. If such a request for increased damages is fully granted, the total compensation could reach approximately $60.6 million.
Next Steps for the Company
The group stated it will evaluate this verdict, the potential for enhanced damages, and other legal proceedings related to its broader patent portfolio. It intends to take further appropriate action in due course.
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