Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to top questions about Patentability Search, novelty evaluation, and the patent filing process.
Which databases (NCBI, GenomeQuest, etc.) do you use for sequence searching? ▼
NCBI (GenBank), EBI, and GenomeQuest databases are used to give access to not only public genome data but also to "Sequence Listings" from private patents.
Can you search for sequences with a certain percentage of "homology" or identity? ▼
Yes. Our search includes using BLAST and Smith-Waterman programs to determine the percentage identity of the sequence compared to your target.
How do you handle searches for modified or synthetic nucleotides? ▼
Yes. You can request our database search to look for artificial amino acids or modified nucleotides, which might be common for recent mRNA studies.
Can you search for "fragments" of a larger gene sequence? ▼
Yes. Sub-sequence searches are done to check whether your particular primer/probe/peptide is contained as part of the larger patented gene.
Do you cover sequences found in "Non-Patent Literature" (scientific journals)? ▼
Absolutely. A lot of genetic discoveries can be published well before the actual patent appears. They could appear in such magazines as Nature or Science.
How do you handle search queries for CDRs (Complementarity-Determining Regions) in antibodies? ▼
Yes. We run searches against specific hyper variable loops within the antibody structure, which are among the most frequently patented parts of biologics.
Can you identify patents related to CRISPR or specific gene-editing techniques? ▼
Yes. We can monitor any relevant patents associated with "Guide RNA" (gRNA) sequences, as well as the Cas9/Cas12 enzymes involved in gene editing.
How are the results presented (e.g., sequence alignment maps)? ▼
We generate a ‘Sequence Alignment Report’ displaying your sequence in relation to the matched patent sequence to demonstrate how "A-T-C-G" or other coding matches exactly.
Can you search for "motifs" or specific biological patterns? ▼
Yes. We run sequence motif searches that could be patented regardless of what the actual DNA sequence looks like.
How do you account for variations in sequence nomenclature? ▼
We have our biological experts take into account IUPAC sequence search, synonymous codons and different ways researchers could document the same genomic information.