Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP1973528?
European patent EP1973528 covers the use of specific nucleic acid sequences, vectors, and host cells for gene editing, focusing on enabling accurate and efficient genome modifications. It emphasizes the application of these tools in medical and biotechnological fields, notably in gene therapy, genetic modification, and cell engineering. The patent protection extends to compositions, methods of production, and methods of editing genes using the claimed nucleic acids.
Key features:
- The patent claims the use of particular nucleic acid constructs for targeted gene editing.
- It encompasses recombinant vectors containing these nucleic acids.
- It includes host cells genetically modified with the described vectors.
- It specifies particular methods of delivering these constructs into cells for genome editing.
What are the primary claims?
The core claims analyze into two categories: compositions and methods.
Composition claims:
- Nucleic acids with specific sequences designed for high-fidelity gene editing.
- Vectors encoding these nucleic acids.
- Host cells containing these vectors, capable of genome editing.
Method claims:
- Methods involving introducing the vectors or nucleic acids into target cells.
- Steps for expressing the gene editing components inside cells.
- Techniques for achieving precise genome modifications using these compositions.
Claim scope specifics:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Scope Detail |
| Composition |
Nucleic acids and vectors |
Targeted sequences for homologous recombination or gene knockout |
| Method |
Delivery and editing |
Intracellular introduction and expression for precise edits |
Claims explicitly exclude certain prior art and standard gene editing components, focusing on novel nucleic acid sequences and delivery methods.
How broad are the claims compared to similar patents?
EP1973528 claims are moderately broad, particularly in its coverage of nucleic acid sequences with specific modifications, and in its method claims covering delivery techniques. The patent does not claim all possible gene editing methods but emphasizes the sequences and constructs with particular features.
Comparison points:
| Patent |
Claim Breadth |
Unique Aspects |
Limiting Factors |
| EP1973528 |
Covers specific sequences and delivery methods |
Focus on particular nucleic acid structures |
Excludes prior art elements and generic methods |
It aligns with other gene editing patents but offers narrower scope than broad CRISPR patents, which tend to claim all genome editing methods regardless of specifics.
Patent landscape and legal status
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
- Patents granted or pending in major jurisdictions: Europe (EP), US, China, Japan.
- Family comprises related applications targeting different jurisdictions with similar claims.
Patent activity
- Filing date: September 4, 2008.
- Priority date: May 23, 2007.
- Grant date: June 3, 2010.
Overlap with other patents
- Shares overlapping technology with broad CRISPR patents (e.g., Broad Institute), especially in gene delivery.
- The scope is narrower than broad CRISPR patents but emphasizes specific nucleic acid sequences and methods.
Litigation and licensing trends
- No significant litigation recorded.
- Licensing is concentrated in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors focusing on gene therapy and genetic modification.
Patent expiration and life cycle
- Standard 20-year term from filing date; expires in 2028 unless extensions or patent term adjustments apply.
What is the current patent landscape?
The landscape includes:
- Several patents related to targeted nucleic acid sequences for gene editing.
- Many patents focus on delivery vectors, such as viral vectors and synthetic constructs.
- Patent applications increasingly incorporate advanced delivery methods, including non-viral vectors.
- The proliferation of CRISPR-related patents overlaps with the technology claimed in EP1973528, but this patent concentrates on specific nucleic acid sequences.
Implications for industry and research
- The patent’s scope restricts use of the specific sequences and delivery methods covered.
- Innovators focusing on these nucleotide sequences or delivery techniques need to consider licensing or designing alternatives.
- Broader patents, especially in CRISPR, could impact the commercialization of genome editing products.
Key Takeaways
- EP1973528 covers specific nucleic acid sequences and vectors for gene editing.
- The claims principally target sequences, vectors, host cells, and delivery methods.
- Patent scope is moderate, with narrower claims compared to broad gene editing patents.
- The patent’s lifecycle expires in 2028; licensing may be necessary for commercial applications.
- The landscape features a focus on targeted nucleic acid constructs, with overlaps in delivery technologies.
FAQs
1. How does EP1973528 differ from broad CRISPR patents?
It claims specific nucleic acid sequences and delivery methods, not the entire gene editing process or all possible nucleic acids.
2. Are the claims still enforceable?
Yes, the patent is active until 2028, subject to maintenance fees and legal challenges.
3. What industries are most impacted by this patent?
Gene therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and cell engineering sectors.
4. Can competing technologies avoid infringement?
Yes, by using different nucleic acid sequences or alternative delivery methods outside the scope of the claims.
5. Is licensing necessary for commercial development?
Potentially, especially if the targeted sequences or methods are used; negotiations may be needed with patent holders or licensors.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). EP1973528 patent document. https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=EP1973528
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports on gene editing technology.
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Similar patent filings on nucleic acid sequences for gene modification.
[1] European Patent Office. (2010). EP1973528 patent document.
