Patent protection trends in medical CRISPR technology

Expectations are high that gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR, will shortly bring novel new therapies into medical practice. Healthcare analysts predict a global market of several billions in the next 5 years for these promising technologies. Funding is expanding rapidly in the USA, in Europe, and Asia. This growth will bring many therapies within reach, and provide excellent prospects for Universities, TTOs, and a myriad of companies world –wide. The patent regime is the means for securing, monetizing and recruiting investment in gene editing technology, so vital for the bench- to- bedside therapeutics pipeline.

Companies and institutions recognize that any development in medical applications of gene editing must be patented for monetization and licensing of IP to offset R&D costs and make profits. It is equally important for investors, companies and research groups to be aware of competitor patent activity and mitigate risks to freedom to operate risks.

Gene editing sciences are multidisciplinary, and many companies are developing translation medicine, regenerative, immunotherapeutic, epigenetic, disease and drug discovery aspects. Data is presented showing this activity, and important trends are identified. The patent portfolios of leading players are surveyed. Strategies are suggested for maximizing the patent protection of advances in the field, and for identifying the maturity of a technology from a patent perspective. Methods for coordinating the R&D timeline, funding timeline, marketing timeline and regulation timeline with the patent lifecycle are presented. The patent implications of startup –to – strategic partner joint ventures are discussed.