Eastman Kodak Co. announced Monday that it has receivednotification of allowance from the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice on its method of performing polymerase chain reaction(PCR) diagnosis.

The patent covers a containment device that allows clinicallaboratories to conduct PCR-based assays with a much lowerchance for contamination, according to Paul Allen, Kodak'smanager of media relations.

Kodak of Rochester, N.Y., became involved in PCR research in1986 through a collaboration with Cetus Inc. Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc. acquired the PCR technology from Cetus when thelatter merged with Chiron Corp. in 1991.

In early June, Kodak, Hoffmann-La Roche and Chiron settledthe ongoing dispute among the three regarding ownership andrights under PCR patents. Kodak (NYSE:EK) and its affiliatesreceived a non-exclusive royalty-bearing license withoutsublicensing rights limited to the in vitro human diagnosticsfield.

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