Spatial Genomics and Caltech filed a lawsuit in the District of Delaware alleging that 10x Genomics’ Xenium spatial biology platform infringes Caltech patents tied to sequential hybridization barcoding. The asserted portfolio covers five US patents and is focused on multiplex labeling and imaging over multiple rounds, primarily for RNA targets. In an SEC filing, 10x said it believes Spatial Genomics and Caltech’s claims are meritless and intends to defend vigorously. Spatial Genomics also moved to keep parts of its filing under seal. The dispute adds legal risk to spatial genomics expansion at a time when spatial instruments are drawing high commercial attention, potentially affecting go-to-market, customer contracts, and partner timelines.