Methodology: The information in this patent research was compiled by searching the Derwent GENESEQ database (www.derwent.com). This database includes all the DNA sequences (partial and complete gene sequences) which have been recorded in patents from 40 patent authorities worldwide, including the US, European, World, Japanese and German patent offices. The database includes information on which organism the gene sequence was obtained from, its characteristics and uses. GENESEQ is a commercial database which can be used to determine whether a particular gene sequence has been patented; follow competitors' work and reveal if a patent has been infringed.
Additional data was obtained from the UK and European patent offices' searchable databases: www.patent.gov.uk and ep.espacenet.com.
The number of patents which include gene sequences is growing exponentially as progress in genetic research becomes more rapid. A patent may cover one or many (50 or 60 in some cases) partial or complete gene sequences. One patent may also cover many variants of the same gene. Because there is a delay of some 3-5 years or even longer in the assessment of patent applications, the majority of patent applications included in this research (approximately 60-70% depending on organism) have not yet been granted. The European Patent Office currently has a backlog of some 15,000 biotechnology patents applications.
Research for this supplement was specially commissioned from GeneWatch UK, a policy research group based in Derbyshire which evaluates the science, regulation and control of genetic technologies. GeneWatch UK personnel who carried out the research were Sue Mayer, Ben Ayliffe and Becky Price. To find out more about GeneWatch UK, its publications and online database, visit their website at www.genewatch.org or send an e-mail to mail@genewatch.org.
Download the information on patent applications in PDF format (These are Adobe Acrobat PDF files; if you do not already have Acrobat Reader installed, you can download it here free).
Applications for patents on human genes
Applications for patents on HIV genes
Applications for patents on chicken genes
Applications for patents on fish genes
Applications for patents on eucalyptus tree genes
Applications for patents on mice genes