CVC’s issued patents are to the composition and use of the core type 2 CRISPR/Cas9 complex to modify DNA in ANY ENVIRONMENT without limitation to uses in eukaryotic cells. CVC further has issued patents on single guide RNA (sgRNA) which greatly enhances the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in many applications.
In the United States, Broad’s issued patents (currently subject to a PTAB initiated interference) are for certain methods of genome editing and uses only in eukaryotic cells.
In December, 2012, Broad requested “accelerated examination” of its application. This meant the USPTO considered the application more quickly. CVC did not request accelerated examination when it applied for a patent in May, 2012.
CRISPR research is a large field that involves contributions from many talented scientists around the world. The USPTO had issued more than 570 patents as of September 2020, with claims to CRISPR and/or Cas9 to approximately 900 inventors from more than 200 applicant organizations. The European Patent Office (EPO) had issued more than 190 such patents to more than 460 inventors from about 110 applicant institutions. In addition, there have been more than 9,200 applications filed (and published but not yet granted) around the world.
Current CVC patent list can be viewed here.
Over the next several years, there will be many more patents issued in the CRISPR field, to many inventors from many institutions, in recognition of each individual’s contribution to advancing CRISPR technology.
Sumitomo Pharma takes license to CRISPR/Cas9 patent portfolio from ERS Genomics Dublin, Ireland, 26 April 2022: ERS Genomics Limited (‘ERS’) is pleased to confirm finalization of a license agreement with Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (‘Sumitomo Pharma’) granting Sumitomo Pharma non-exclusive access to the fundamental CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property portfolio held by ERS. ERS, co-founded by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, 2020 Nobel Prize winner for gene-editing, provides access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property. Eighty-nine patents are held in over eighty countries, including 3 patents in Japan with broad coverage of the use of CRISPR/Cas9. ERS CEO, Eric Rhodes, had the following statement:
