Thanks for the direct view from BioRad. The single reason why everyone
who knows how
to fiddle with a laser and microscope opt for a homebuild system is
obviously
not because we enjoy building an expensive laser to a confocal scope.
Maybe
some physicists or engineers would like to "pioneer" the technology but
most biologists would prefer somekind of turn-key system if the system
were not so prohibitively expensive. The key is that no one believes
BioRad
is the only company who can develop a good turn-key system if other
companies are given a chance.
Monopolizing the market in the name of protecting the intellectual
property
of the Cornell Research is not appropriate. No one is arguing against
the patent
by Cornell. Most of us are not happy that only one company is licensed
to
commercialize the technology. In fact, sub-licensing or non-exclusive
licensing will
in no way harm the revenue on the part of Cornell. More machines sold by
different companies will actually mean more licensing fee for Cornell.
The only
thing different there is that we as end-users will be ripped off much
less and
BioRad will have to end up with much less profit. It is funny that
everyone in
the west realize the importance of free-market in everything else, even
the
stubborn Deutch telecom market will soon be open to others including the
British, and
yet we are asked to believe that the current arrangements in the
2-photon
technology is best for all of us. It is simple that BioRad just wants to
make
more profit! The current situation obviously has prevented more people
from gaining
access to the technology which in turn slows the development of the
applications
of the technology. Isn't this simple and clear to everyone?
If my mind gets tangled somewhere, please enlighten me!
Sincerely,
Hanry Yu.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Gillyon [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 1997 7:44 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Multi-Photon Microscopy a Comment from Bio-Rad
>
>      The patent and licencing issues surrounding Multi-Photon are well
>      known. Bio-Rad, having obtained a licence from Cornell Research
>      Foundation to commercialise the technology, has a duty to protect
> the
>      intellectual property of Cornell. This necessarily means that
> Bio-Rad
>      cannot look favourably on other commercial organisations
> profiting from
>      the sale of Multi-Photon tecnology. Having stated that, it should
> be
>      made clear that Bio-Rad always seeks to support progress in
> research
>      and does not wish to be obstructive to scientists advancing the
> field.
>      If anyone would like clarification of these points, or would like
> to
>      discuss their specific circumstances, please contact your local
> Bio-Rad
>      representative or contact me direct at the address below.
>
>  ***************