Although the latest implementing details classify many aspects of human genetic resource handling and transfer, foreign entities are severely restricted from developing gene and gene-editing therapies in China. Legal experts say the changes combined with data transfer and recent cybersecurity legislation pose additional challenges to life science companies operating in the country.

The jury said the infringement, which involved patents on two-channel sequencing chemistry technology, had been “willful” and turned down Illumina’s counterclaims. 

BGI, and its subsidiary MGI, can’t sell the infringing products in the US until after Illumina’s patents expire.

Frank Zhang, co-founder and chair of the Hong Kong-listed Chinese biotech Genscript, parent of Nasdaq-listed cell therapy star, Legend Biotech, has been detained by Chinese authorities, along with four employees.