Apr
8
Free Stem Cell Patent Database
Posted by Keeley Vega at 6:38 am under Innovation, Internet, Patent, Wikinomics.
Stemcellpatents.com announced the launch of its updated stem cell patent database. The site includes summaries and analysis of over 1275 expert-selected patents identified as relevant to stem cell commercialization.
According to the website, this database is an effort to exploit the infinite potential of stem cell therapeutics. “Unfortunately, due to the nature of current day science, overspecialization has occurred, forming walls between disciplines and thus impeding progress. The internet, by allowing global, free access to information, is the perfect tool for overcoming intellectual and geographical differences so as to facilitate international synergism through free exchange of ideas. This website is dedicated to the complete dissemination of intellectual accomplishment in the area of stem cells.”
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I am completely in favor of anything that provides greater access to new ideas, even if it relates to commercialization, but I’m curious what the patent-holders think. The selected patents are analyzed and summarized and users are able to make comments. In response to a patent covering a “Method for expansion of epithelial cells,” one commentor said: “this is a great service. I like the info on the claims that you are adding, as well as the added context with other patents that it relates to.”
Adding info on claims? Sounds like dangerous territory. The synergistic effect of this project could be ruined if innovations (i.e., patented subject matter) are not properly characterized. Which makes me wonder who is authoring these summaries and what role, if any, the patentee has. It’s not really clear from the website, so I sent them an email. I’ll keep you posted …