Sterne Kessler Secures Second PTAB Win in Challenge to University of Washington Patent

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2026) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox secured another Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) victory on behalf of the University of Washington and TwinStrand Biosciences. On remand from the Federal Circuit, the PTAB upheld the validity of all 30 challenged claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,760,127 (‘127 patent).

The decision marks the second time the PTAB has upheld the challenged claims of the ’127 patent, determining that Guardant had not demonstrated that the challenged claims would have been obvious based on the asserted prior art. The ’127 patent relates to DNA sequencing technology designed to reduce sequencing errors, enabling highly accurate detection of genetic variants. The technology was developed at the University of Washington and licensed to TwinStrand Biosciences, Inc.

In 2023, a Delaware federal jury awarded $83.4 million in royalties to the University of Washington and TwinStrand, finding that some of Guardant’s genetic-sequencing kits infringe the ‘127 patent and U.S. Patent No. 10,287,631. In August 2026, Judge Gregory B. Williams added supplemental damages, ongoing royalties, and interest, bringing the total judgment to approximately $245 million. That judgment is currently on appeal.

The Sterne Kessler team representing the University of Washington in the PTAB proceeding includes Directors R. Wilson “Trey” Powers III, Ph.D., David H. Holman, Ph.D., Kristina Caggiano Kelly, Christopher M. Gallo, Ph.D., and Byron L. Pickard.

The matter is Guardant Health, Inc. v. University of Washington, IPR2022-00817.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C., Sterne Kessler is a leading intellectual property law firm providing strategic IP services to clients worldwide. With more than 170 attorneys, the firm offers integrated capabilities across patent and trademark prosecution, strategic counseling, post grant proceedings, and litigation before federal district and appellate courts and the International Trade Commission. Since 1978, Sterne Kessler has served as a trusted partner to innovative companies, startups, inventors, universities, and investors, helping them protect, enforce, and maximize the value of intellectual property. The firm is committed to delivering practical, business driven solutions that support innovation and long term strategic objectives.