You can freely build on Mice Engineered to Develop Cancer for Research
This patent expired in 2005. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Harvard University
Patent granted
1988
Expired
2005
Forward citations
644
What this patent covers
This patent describes how to create a special kind of mouse, called a transgenic mouse. Scientists can insert a specific gene, known as an oncogene (which can cause cancer), into the mouse's DNA when it's still an embryo. This oncogene becomes part of every cell in the mouse, including the cells that will create future generations (germ cells). The goal is to create mammals that are predisposed to developing cancer, allowing researchers to study the disease's progression and test potential therapies in a living model. For example, claim 12 specifies that the mammal can be a mouse, and claim 6 mentions using a c-myc oncogene.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 4736866 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Mice that develop cancer naturally without genetic engineering.
Transgenic animals that are not mammals (e.g., birds, fish).
Genetically modified animals where the inserted gene is not an oncogene.
The use of the engineered animals for purposes other than cancer research.
Methods of treating cancer in humans or animals, only the creation of the model.
Who is building on this today
The original assignee, Harvard University, licensed the technology. Companies specializing in genetically engineered animal models, such as The Jackson Laboratory, have been instrumental in breeding and distributing these mice for research worldwide. Many pharmaceutical companies rely on these models for preclinical drug testing.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Oncomice (genetically engineered mice used in cancer research)
Harvard's OncoMouse®
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Harvard University. US Patent 4736866. Transgenic non-human mammals. Granted 1988, expired 2005. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.