Patent strategies in molecular diversity

Grant D. Green
Fish & Richardson, 2200 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, U.S.A.
E-mail: green@fr.com

Abstract
The patentability of combinatorial libraries is examined, requirement by requirement. In general, combinatorial libraries can be patented, as long as the library meets the statutory criteria of utility, novelty, and non-obviousness, and the application meets the standards of enablement, best mode, and written description. Licensing and alternatives to patenting are also considered, along with potential problems unique to combinatorial chemistry agreements.

Keywords
anticipation, collaboration, combinatorial library, interference, license, obviousness, partnership, patentability, prior art, trade secret, written description