How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System
This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms.
Original patent title: “CRISPR-Cas systems and methods for altering expression of gene products”
This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms. Granted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2014 with 23 claims and 1,268 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2033.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a method and system for altering the activity of specific genes within eukaryotic cells, which are cells with a nucleus, like human cells. It uses an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" CRISPR-Cas system. This system includes a "guide RNA" that acts like a GPS, directing a molecular scissor called a "Type-II Cas9 protein" to a specific target DNA sequence (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). Once the guide RNA finds its target, the Cas9 protein "cleaves the DNA molecule," meaning it cuts it. This cut then changes the "expression of the at least one gene product," either turning the gene down or off. For example, this system could be used to disable a faulty gene causing a genetic disease.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria, as the patent specifies "engineered, non-naturally occurring" systems.
- Does not cover gene editing methods that use Cas proteins other than the "Type-II Cas9 protein" specified in the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →.
- Does not cover altering gene expression in prokaryotic cells (like bacteria), as the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → specifically mention "eukaryotic cell."
- Does not cover systems where the Cas9 protein and guide RNA are found together naturally, as the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → state they "do not naturally occur together."
- Does not cover gene editing that doesn't involve *cleaving* the DNA molecule, as the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → explicitly state "the Cas9 protein cleaves the DNA molecule."
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The core innovation was adapting the natural bacterial CRISPR defense system into an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" tool that could be programmed to cut specific DNA sequences in complex eukaryotic cells, like human cells, to alter gene expression.
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
Gene therapy research for genetic disorders
Development of disease-resistant crops
Basic biological research to understand gene function
Biopharmaceutical drug discovery
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent is a foundational piece of intellectual property for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in eukaryotic cells, including human cells. It enabled researchers to precisely modify genes in a wide range of organisms, accelerating scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ability to target and cleave specific DNA sequences has revolutionized genetic research and holds immense promise for treating genetic diseases.
Filed
October 15, 2013
Granted
April 15, 2014
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Broad Institute, where inventorinventorThe person who actually conceived the invention. Listed on the patent regardless of who owns it.Read more → Feng Zhang works, continue to be major players in CRISPR research. Companies like Editas Medicine, co-founded by Zhang, are directly developing CRISPR-based therapies. Many academic research institutions and biotech companies globally are building on this technology for gene therapy, drug discovery, and agricultural applications.
Market impact
This patent significantly contributed to the explosion of the gene editing market, enabling the development of a new class of therapeutic approaches for genetic diseases. It fueled massive investment in biotech startups focused on CRISPR technology and became central to high-profile patent disputes, shaping the competitive landscape for gene editing tools. The technology has become an essential tool in both academic and industrial research labs worldwide.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a method and system for altering the activity of specific genes within eukaryotic cells, which are cells with a nucleus, like human cells. It uses an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" CRISPR-Cas system. This system includes a "guide RNA" that acts like a GPS, directing a molecular scissor called a "Type-II Cas9 protein" to a specific target DNA sequence (Claim 1). Once the guide RNA finds its target, the Cas9 protein "cleaves the DNA molecule," meaning it cuts it. This cut then changes the "expression of the at least one gene product," either turning the gene down or off. For example, this system could be used to disable a faulty gene causing a genetic disease.
The clever bit
The core innovation was adapting the natural bacterial CRISPR defense system into an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" tool that could be programmed to cut specific DNA sequences in complex eukaryotic cells, like human cells, to alter gene expression.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria, as the patent specifies "engineered, non-naturally occurring" systems.
- Does not cover gene editing methods that use Cas proteins other than the "Type-II Cas9 protein" specified in the claims.
- Does not cover altering gene expression in prokaryotic cells (like bacteria), as the claims specifically mention "eukaryotic cell."
- Does not cover systems where the Cas9 protein and guide RNA are found together naturally, as the claims state they "do not naturally occur together."
- Does not cover gene editing that doesn't involve *cleaving* the DNA molecule, as the claims explicitly state "the Cas9 protein cleaves the DNA molecule."
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
High impact
Citation count
40/40
Highly cited
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
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
$1.2M – $3.7M
Midpoint $2.3M · 7.3 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
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Zhang, F. (2014). How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System (U.S. Patent No. 8,697,359). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8697359/crispr-gene-editing
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 to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System cover?
This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms.
Who owns patent US 8697359?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology owns this patent, granted in 2014.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on October 15, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 8697359 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 1268 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent is a foundational piece of intellectual property for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in eukaryotic cells, including human cells. It enabled researchers to precisely modify genes in a wide range of organisms, accelerating scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ability to target and cleave specific DNA sequences has revolutionized genetic research and holds immense promise for treating genetic diseases.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria, as the patent specifies "engineered, non-naturally occurring" systems.
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