More delays in GTG-Applera case

Two deadlines have come and gone, and a third expires today for Melbourne gene-testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG; NASDAQ:GENE) and US firm Applera, who were due to announce a resolution of their licensing dispute in California today.

GTG has been pursuing its US rival in the US District Court of Northern California for a licensing fee and royalties for its patented technologies, which uses 'junk DNA' markers to identify haplotypes associated with disease.

The case was originally due to be resolved by a court-sanctioned agreement on November 9, but the companies postponed their execution of a binding settlement, and licence and supply issues until November 25. When November 25 passed, Judge Joseph Spero approved a requested delay until December 5.

After a telephone conference with both parties, Judge Spero has now granted a further extension to Wednesday, December 8, and ordered lawyers and company representatives to attend a further settlement conference in San Francisco.

GTG said the delay was "a positive development in the progress of this matter