b"Who Owns CRISPR-Cas9? Ownership of one of todays most critical technologies is a complicated question.That uncertainty is making next steps difficult for those who want to use CRISPR-Cas9. Marc ZienkiewiczLOGAN SKORI WANTSto useAt issue is the fact that the patent land-CRISPR technology to launch his busi- scape for CRISPR-Cas9 is likely to remain ness, Calgarys AgGene, to new heights.complicated and dynamic for years to But until its clearer who exactly owns thecome, as more patent applications are rights to the technology, hes being veryexamined, granted, opposed or revoked cautious.in different jurisdictions. The outcome of Right now, AgGene is gearing up tothese patent disputes could have a major initiate a financing round. A significantimpact on the innovation and commer-factor in that involves securing the licens- cialization of CRISPR-Cas9, as well as on ing rights for a gene editing system thatthe public interest and social responsibility suits the companys needs. Engaging inof using this powerful technology.negotiations on multiple fronts is a sub- The ownership and licensing of this stantial component of this process, Skoritechnology is a source of legal disputes says. Terms, limitations, and restrictionsLogan Skori, second from right, serves asand controversies among various par-are all on the table and subject to discus- CEO of Calgarys AgGene. ties. Anyone who thought gene editing sion when dealing with other companies. would level the playing field and open a Navigating the legal landscape is aWaiting on clarification of CRISPR- world of new breeding possibilities free crucial part of our strategy, Skori adds.Cas9s patent status isnt part offrom the high costs of working in the GM We're not just focusing on the immediateAgGenes plan, Skori says.space might want to think again, thanks deal; we're also considering the long- CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene- to the complicated world of gene editing term implications, anticipating potentialediting technology that allows research- patents.interferences or disputes down the road.ers to cut and modify DNA sequences inUnfortunately, we can't afford to It's a complex task and resolving conflictsliving cells. It has the potential to trans- wait idly by for these issues to settle, as of this nature often takes a considerableform medicine, agriculture, biotechnologydoing so would risk falling behind in this amount of time.and many other fields.dynamic environment, Skori says. So, 18/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2024"