Background
Seer, Inc. is a California proteomics company that developed the Proteograph™ Product Suite — an AI-powered platform for deep, unbiased proteomic analysis. Proteomics (the large-scale study of proteins) is increasingly critical to drug discovery and precision medicine, and Seer’s technology enables researchers to analyze protein populations at unprecedented scale and depth. The company developed its platform in collaboration with researchers at The Brigham and Women’s Hospital and holds patents covering the core systems, methods, compositions, and chemical components of the technology.
Nanomics Biotechnology Co., Ltd., based in Hangzhou, China, is accused of manufacturing and selling proteomics research instruments, reagents, and laboratory supplies that Seer alleges infringe its patents. Seer filed a Section 337 complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in May 2026, seeking to block Nanomics’ products from entering the United States. The ITC voted to institute the investigation on June 29, 2026, with a Federal Register notice published July 2.
The ITC’s Action
The ITC’s vote to institute Investigation No. 337-TA-1508 is a threshold determination — it means the Commission found the complaint procedurally sufficient and that the described conduct falls within the scope of Section 337 of the Tariff Act (which prohibits importation of articles that infringe valid U.S. intellectual property rights). Institution does not represent a finding of infringement; that determination will come after an Administrative Law Judge conducts a full evidentiary hearing.
Seer and Brigham and Women’s are seeking a limited exclusion order (blocking importation of Nanomics’ infringing products) and a cease and desist order (preventing Nanomics from selling infringing inventory already in the United States). ITC Section 337 investigations typically conclude within 12 to 18 months of institution.
Key Takeaways
- The ITC is an increasingly popular venue for enforcing IP rights against foreign manufacturers because it can block importation directly — a faster and often more effective remedy than waiting years for a district court infringement verdict.
- Proteomics is a rapidly growing field at the intersection of AI and life sciences; patent disputes over instruments and methods in this space are likely to increase as competition intensifies and Chinese manufacturers enter the market.
- The Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s co-complainant status signals a university-industry partnership over the underlying patents — a common structure in cutting-edge life sciences technology.
- This investigation adds to a growing list of Section 337 proceedings targeting Chinese biotech and laboratory equipment companies.
Why It Matters
Proteomics — once a niche academic pursuit — is becoming central to drug discovery pipelines, cancer research, and the development of next-generation diagnostics. As AI-driven platforms like Seer’s Proteograph make large-scale protein analysis commercially viable, the underlying IP is becoming highly valuable. This ITC investigation puts Nanomics’ products at risk of import exclusion and signals that Seer is aggressively protecting its platform from Chinese competition. The outcome will be watched closely by life sciences companies building AI-powered proteomics tools.