Dr Venter said Celera had filed a preliminary patent application on this particular whole gene.

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They have filed preliminary gaming license application in Nevada.

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The closing date for EDF Energy's planning application for preliminary works for the reactors is now 1700 GMT on 31 January.

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Zynga, behind the popular Farmville game, has asked for an "application for a preliminary finding of suitability" from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

BBC: Zynga seeks gambling licence from Nevada

Judgment on the preliminary stage of Mr McIntyre's application for judicial review was reserved.

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This preliminary paperwork could lay the groundwork and speed along any application if Zynga were to eventually apply for a gaming license.

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And most of the costly and time-consuming preliminary screening is taken care of by the software or social application.

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Blatter remains undeterred and before Sunday's draw for the preliminary round of the 2010 World Cup finals, said Fifa must "convince the purists in the application of European law".

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The company previously said there had been a "slight delay" in the finalisation of the Belfast planning application due to the increased size of the proposed store and some unexpected delays in the preliminary site investigation process.

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