How CRISPR-Cas9 Uses RNA to Edit DNA
This patent describes the fundamental mechanism of using a two-part RNA system to guide the Cas9 protein to specific locations in DNA for precise editing.
Original patent title: “Methods and compositions for RNA-directed target DNA modification and for RNA-directed modulation of transcription”
This patent describes the fundamental mechanism of using a two-part RNA system to guide the Cas9 protein to specific locations in DNA for precise editing. Granted to Universitaet Wien in 2018 with 90 claims and 49 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2036.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → a system where two separate RNA molecules—a targeter-RNA and an activator-RNA—work together to guide a Cas9 protein to a specific spot on a DNA strand. The targeter-RNA contains a sequence that matches the target DNA, while the activator-RNA binds to the targeter-RNA to form a structure that the Cas9 protein recognizes. Once this complex is formed, it acts like a pair of molecular scissors, allowing scientists to cut or modify DNA at a precise, pre-selected location. This system is designed to be modular, meaning researchers can swap out the targeter-RNA to change which part of the genome is being edited.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover naturally occurring RNA complexes found in wild-type bacteria.
- Does not cover single-guide RNA (sgRNA) designs where the two RNA components are covalently linked by a long loop of nucleotides.
- Does not cover the Cas9 protein itself, but rather the specific RNA guide system used to direct it.
- Does not cover methods of gene editing that do not utilize the Cas9 polypeptide.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in recognizing that the complex bacterial defense system could be simplified into a two-part, programmable RNA system that functions independently of other bacterial proteins.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
CRISPR-based genome editing in laboratory cell cultures
Development of agricultural crops with enhanced traits
Research into gene-based therapies for genetic diseases
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent is a cornerstone of the CRISPR-Cas9 revolution, providing the intellectual foundation for the programmable gene-editing technology that has transformed biological research. It is central to the ongoing global patent landscape regarding who owns the rights to the foundational CRISPR technology, impacting everything from agricultural biotech to potential human gene therapies.
Filed
April 26, 2016
Granted
October 30, 2018
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The technology is being utilized by a wide range of biotechnology firms including Editas Medicine, CRISPR Therapeutics, and Intellia Therapeutics. These companies, along with academic institutions like the University of California and the Broad Institute, are actively developing clinical applications based on this foundational work.
Market impact
This patent helped trigger a massive shift in the biotechnology sector, enabling the rapid development of a new industry focused on precision genome engineering. It has become a focal point for intense legal and commercial competition, defining the boundaries of intellectual property in the rapidly evolving field of genetic medicine.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent claims a system where two separate RNA molecules—a targeter-RNA and an activator-RNA—work together to guide a Cas9 protein to a specific spot on a DNA strand. The targeter-RNA contains a sequence that matches the target DNA, while the activator-RNA binds to the targeter-RNA to form a structure that the Cas9 protein recognizes. Once this complex is formed, it acts like a pair of molecular scissors, allowing scientists to cut or modify DNA at a precise, pre-selected location. This system is designed to be modular, meaning researchers can swap out the targeter-RNA to change which part of the genome is being edited.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in recognizing that the complex bacterial defense system could be simplified into a two-part, programmable RNA system that functions independently of other bacterial proteins.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover naturally occurring RNA complexes found in wild-type bacteria.
- Does not cover single-guide RNA (sgRNA) designs where the two RNA components are covalently linked by a long loop of nucleotides.
- Does not cover the Cas9 protein itself, but rather the specific RNA guide system used to direct it.
- Does not cover methods of gene editing that do not utilize the Cas9 polypeptide.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Strong
Citation count
34/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
20/20
Very broad protection
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$540K – $1.7M
Midpoint $1.1M · 9.8 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
90 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Chylinski, K., Charpentier, E., Jinek, M., & DOUDNA, J. A. (2018). How CRISPR-Cas9 Uses RNA to Edit DNA (U.S. Patent No. 10,113,167). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10113167/methods-and-compositions-for-rna-directed-target-dna-modification-and-for-rna-directed-modulation-of-transcription
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How CRISPR-Cas9 Uses RNA to Edit DNA cover?
This patent describes the fundamental mechanism of using a two-part RNA system to guide the Cas9 protein to specific locations in DNA for precise editing.
Who owns patent US 10113167?
Universitaet Wien owns this patent, granted in 2018.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on April 26, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 10113167 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 49 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent is a cornerstone of the CRISPR-Cas9 revolution, providing the intellectual foundation for the programmable gene-editing technology that has transformed biological research. It is central to the ongoing global patent landscape regarding who owns the rights to the foundational CRISPR technology, impacting everything from agricultural biotech to potential human gene therapies.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover naturally occurring RNA complexes found in wild-type bacteria.
Patent monitoring