Analysis of patenting within gene therapy

Abstract

International patenting of biotechnology has increased rapidly over the past ten years, though apparently no more so than technology as a whole; patenting of organic chemistry declined somewhat during the same period. Within biotechnology, emphasis has shifted from conventional fermentation to development of more sophisticated monitoring techniques. Diagnosis and therapy of cancer and infections are the dominant targets. Many applicants seek protection in no more than 30 territories. The degree and nature of specialisation within the biotechnology sector is demonstrated graphically, and patterns in collaboration are noted. Finally, biotechnology patenting and product development by Roche is summarised, as an example of analytical techniques that have been applied to the industry as a whole; radar charts, spectral maps and factorial analyses are among the graphical devices utilised.This review is based on material compiled in mid-1998 during preparation of a more substantial study of discovery activity in the field of molecular therapeutics [1]. In the original report 31 leading companies within the biotechnology industry are profiled in-depth, of which the Roche profile at the end of this review is an example. Here some of the techniques used in that study are exemplified, and additional material is introduced in order to place biotechnology patenting in the context of patenting generally.

• analysis
• biotechnology
• biotechnology patenting
• collaboration
• gene therapy
• patent claims
• patenting policies
• therapeutic targets