- Europe upholds core CRISPR RNP plant genome editing 바카라 사이트 (EP 3346003)
- Successfully defends 바카라 사이트 in EPO oral hearing, overturning negative preliminary opinion and securing recognition of an ‘inventive step’
- Secures exclusivity for ‘CRISPR RNP,’ a core plant genome editing technology, bolstering global licensing and technology commercialization
[by Kang, In Hyo] ToolGen, a leader in gene-editing technology, announced on December 3 that the European Patent Office (EPO) Opposition Board has upheld its European patent (EP 3346003) covering plant gene editing using the protein-RNA complex ‘CRISPR RNP,’ affirming the patent’s novelty during a recent oral hearing.
The 바카라 사이트 covers a technology that introduces CRISPR RNP, comprising the Cas9 protein and guide ribonucleic acid (RNA), directly into plant cells using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to correct genes. This technology differs from the recombinant plasmid DNA-based delivery methods typically used in the plant industry. Because no foreign DNA remains in the plant following gene editing, the technology is regarded as a valuable platform for future applications in crops and seeds, particularly in contexts where non-GMO labeling is essential.
The opposition involved three parties (Applicant 1, presumed to be Caribou; Applicant 2, presumed to be BASF; and Applicant 3, presumed to be Intellia), with two of them (Applicants 2 and 3) participating in the oral hearing. In April of this year, the European 바카라 사이트 Office (EPO) issued a preliminary decision, siding with the opponents, finding that the 바카라 사이트 lacked an inventive step relative to prior art. Nevertheless, ToolGen successfully overturned this preliminary decision during the hearing by demonstrating the 바카라 사이트's distinctiveness from prior art and the technical effectiveness of the claimed invention, thereby securing its maintenance.
This represents the first case among major European CRISPR-related oppositions (Broad, CVC, etc.) in which a preliminary decision in rejecting inventive step was overturned and the 바카라 사이트 upheld during the oral hearing. Notably, Broad and CVC voluntarily withdrew their 바카라 사이트s shortly before their respective hearings to prevent ‘negative’ preliminary decisions from becoming final (Broad in February 2025, CVC in September 2024).
Despite the negative preliminary ruling, ToolGen conveyed its appreciation to its internal 바카라 사이트 team and to its UK counsel, D Young (Leading Council Jennifer O'Farrell), for their extensive efforts in preparing for the oral hearing. The company also expressed deep respect and gratitude to the European 바카라 사이트 Office's Opposition Division, which, even after issuing the preliminary opinion, approached ToolGen's arguments with an open mind during the hearing and, based on its assessment, overturned the previous decision and ultimately rendered the correct judgement to uphold the 바카라 사이트.
"This victory reaffirms the originality and validity of our technology in the European market in the field of CRISPR RNP-based plant and agricultural biotechnology. With our 바카라 사이트 rights now secured, we anticipate gaining a competitive advantage in licensing, joint research, and technology transfer negotiations with global seed companies and agricultural and plant biotechnology firms," said Ryu Jong-sang, CEO and President of ToolGen.
The ruling decision is expected to bolster the credibility of ToolGen's overall CRISPR RNP 바카라 사이트 portfolio and serve as a positive foundation for the company’s future global commercialization strategies.