Oxford‑based OMass Therapeutics, a biotech venture funded by Alphabet’s GV and Oxford Science Enterprises, has been served with a complaint alleging infringement of patents held by an unnamed competitor. Court documents obtained by Sifted indicate the plaintiff claims OMass used protected technology in its antibody platform without licensing. The filing marks the first major legal challenge for the young company.

The dispute arrives as OMass prepares to advance its lead candidate into Phase II trials, a milestone that could unlock further funding rounds. Investors in GV’s portfolio have already allocated roughly £800 million across its life‑science bets, positioning the firm to absorb potential setbacks but also raising questions about valuation adjustments if the case drags on for the company in the near term.

Legal counsel for OMass argues the patents in question are either expired or unrelated to the specific epitopes the startup targets, suggesting the suit could be dismissed early. Should the court rule against the company, it may face injunctions that stall its pipeline and depress share interest among venture backers. The outcome will significantly shape OMass’s fundraising trajectory.