You cannot patent the “binding site” because it is found in nature (you did
not invent it, you discovered it and patents are only granted for
inventions). I think you could patent compounds that bind that site if they
are not the exact natural ligands.
- Francisco
On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 9:14 PM Cheng Zhang <chengzh1...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> A related question. If you have a crystal structure and found a novel
> ligand binding site that can be used to regulate protein activity, could
> you patent such "binding site"? If not, how to make the best use of such
> findings?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Cheng
>
> On Sat, Nov 4, 2017 at 12:33 AM, James Phillips <
> phillipsjames...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Realistically, if you live in the US and 5 SCOTUS judges agree you can
>> patent anything.
>>
>> On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 09:45 Francisco Tenjo <franja...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi.
>>>
>>> A mutated DNA or protein molecule can be patented if the mutations are
>>> not present in nature and they have a technical effect (for example, in the
>>> case of antibodies, you could have increased affinity for an antigen if you
>>> make the right mutations of the CDRs). Also, the mutations should not have
>>> been published before you file your patent application.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> - Francisco
>>>
>>> 2017-11-03 6:26 GMT-04:00 Chris Morris <chris.mor...@stfc.ac.uk>:
>>>
>>>> > Sorry for asking out of context question. Can a mutated DNA or
>>>> protein molecule be patented.
>>>>
>>>> Yes and no. A molecule as such cannot be patented. But the use of a
>>>> molecule for a specific purpose can be. There are many patents for small
>>>> molecule drugs, and also for engineered antibodies, which are proteins.
>>>> There are patents for industrial use of enzymes too.
>>>>
>>>> regards,
>>>> Chris
>>>> ____
>>>> Chris Morris
>>>> chris.mor...@stfc.ac.uk
>>>> Tel: +44 (0)1925 603689 Fax: +44 (0)1925 603634
>>>> Mobile: 07921-717915
>>>> Skype: chrishgmorris
>>>> http://www.citeulike.org/blog/chrishmorris
>>>> STFC, Daresbury Laboratory, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Keckwick Lane,
>>>> Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4AD UK
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Francisco Tenjo
>>>
>>
>
>
> --
> -
> Cheng Zhang
>
--
Francisco Tenjo
