EngagementsPreservation of Foundational Intellectual Property in Synthetic Biology

Global Data Risk was retained to conduct a high-stakes trade secret investigation on behalf of one of the earliest pioneers in DNA synthesis and printing technology. The matter involved allegations that a former founder had misappropriated foundational intellectual property before departing to establish a competing enterprise in the same emerging sector.

At issue were core proprietary systems central to industrial-scale DNA synthesis — including manufacturing workflows, process architecture, error-correction methodologies, and proprietary technical refinements developed through years of research investment. The technology represented not only competitive advantage, but the structural backbone of a rapidly advancing synthetic biology platform.

The engagement required fluency well beyond conventional digital forensics. GDR integrated deep technical understanding of synthetic biology systems with rigorous reconstruction of access history, research collaboration patterns, development sequencing, and knowledge transfer pathways. The investigation evaluated not only document movement, but the origin and evolution of technical concepts central to the dispute.

GDR led the investigative strategy under counsel, prepared a comprehensive expert report addressing the provenance and misuse of the protected technology, and delivered sworn expert testimony translating complex biological manufacturing systems into disciplined, defensible findings.

The matter concluded with a favorable outcome preserving the client’s control over its foundational intellectual property and safeguarding a multibillion-dollar investment at a critical inflection point in the industry’s development.

The case remains widely regarded as one of the earliest and most consequential trade secret disputes in synthetic biology — reinforcing the importance of structured investigative methodology, subject-matter fluency, and expert clarity in disputes involving frontier technologies.