Columbia Axel Patent
In February 2004, PUBPAT filed a request for reexamination of Columbia University's patent on cotransformation, a process for inserting foreign DNA into a host cell to produce certain proteins that is the basis for a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including Epogen for anemia, Activase for heart attacks and stroke, Avonex for multiple sclerosis and Recombinate for hemophilia. PUBPAT's requrest showed that the patent, issued in 2002, violates the restriction against multiple patenting because Columbia previously received three other patents for the same invention in the 80's and early 90's. The three previous patents expired in 2000; the new patent will not expire until 2019. The Patent Office granted PUBPAT's request in May 2004 and Columbia voluntarily waived any right to assert the patent in December 2004.
Related Documents
- PUBPAT's Request for Reexamination of Columbia University's Cotransformation Patent (PDF; 1.3MB)
- Patent Office Order Granting PUBPAT's Request for Reexamination of Columbia University's Cotransformation Patent (PDF; 1.3MB)
- Columbia University's Covenant Not to Sue Regarding Cotransformation Patent (PDF; 13KB)
Related News
- December 1, 2004: PUBPAT SCORES ANOTHER VICTORY: Columbia University Abandons Assertion of Challenged Cotransformation Patent
- May 10, 2004: PATENT OFFICE GRANTS PUBPAT REQUEST TO REEXAMINE COTRANSFORMATION PATENT: Order Finds "Substantial New Question" of Patentability for Entire Patent
- February 26, 2004: PUBPAT ASKS PATENT OFFICE TO REVOKE COTRANSFORMATION PATENT TO SAVE PUBLIC HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS: Columbia University Impermissibly Received Multiple Patents on Single Invention